Impact of ICT on Health Services in Bangladesh: A Study on Hobiganj Adhunik Zila Sadar Hospital

Abstract

Using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is a key strategy to meet the demand for health services in the 21st century. ICT in health services can provide services to the door steps of the people. It helps to meet increasing demands, rising costs, limited resources, workforce shortages and the national and international dissemination of best practices. ICT health service can also ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the health management system. In this study, the simple random sampling method has been applied to primary data collected from Hobiganj Adhunik Zila Sadar Hospital. The study finds that the existing ICT health services do not meet the demand of the people. Traditional and insufficient equipment is one of the main problems. The study also finds some other challenges, including unskilled manpower, inadequacy of ICT infrastructure, and a lack of financial support from the government. Despite these deficits, the study finds that the use of ICT has a positive impact on the provision of health services in Bangladesh. The Government should take additional steps with regards to improving the health policy, legal framework and training to further strengthen ICT in Bangladesh’s health sector.

Keywords: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), health services, Bangladesh

JEL Classification: I11, I15, I18