Dhaka, Mar 20 (V7N) – One in four Bangladeshis suffers from high blood pressure, making it a leading cause of various non-communicable diseases (NCDs). To address this growing health concern, the government has already begun distributing free medicines for high blood pressure at the grassroots level. However, health experts stress the urgent need to ensure the availability of these medicines in all community clinics and upazila health complexes across the country.

This issue was highlighted at a workshop titled "Bangladesh's Progress and What Needs to Be Done in Controlling High Blood Pressure," held at BMA Bhaban in Dhaka on Wednesday (March 19). The event was organized by Pragya (Knowledge for Progress) in collaboration with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).

According to a 2024 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Bangladesh has committed to combating non-communicable diseases as part of its primary healthcare strategy. However, the country has not been able to allocate sufficient funds for this sector, and even the allocated funds are not being used effectively. The report also pointed out that maintaining a regular supply of essential medicines for NCDs remains one of the biggest challenges in Bangladesh’s healthcare system.

Health experts at the workshop emphasized that to effectively prevent and control high blood pressure, it is crucial to increase public awareness, expand screening programs, and ensure a continuous supply of essential medicines in government hospitals. Without these measures, millions of people will remain at risk of serious health complications caused by high blood pressure.

As this condition continues to affect a large portion of the population, experts urge the government to take immediate steps to improve healthcare strategies and make treatment more accessible. The availability of affordable and essential medicines will play a key role in reducing the impact of high blood pressure and other related non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh.

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