Health protection

Introduction

Health protection is not only a matter of individual well-being, but is the cornerstone of overall development of a nation. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. A country's economic prosperity, productivity and social stability depend on the health of its citizens. Therefore, integrated planning, modern medical systems, awareness and public-private partnership are needed to ensure world-class health care.

Importance of health protection

1. Productivity Enhancement: Healthy workforce is the driving force of a country's economy. Illness reduces productivity, which has a negative impact on national growth.

2. Poverty Reduction: Medical expenses push many families into poverty. Ensuring health care reduces medical costs and improves quality of life.

3. Coping with emergencies: The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how important a strong health system is. Pandemics, natural disasters or bio-threats are easier to deal with if there is a world-class health protection system.

World class health protection components

1. Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

Detailed description:

• Definition: Ensuring essential health care for all citizens, regardless of financial crisis

• Basic Principles:

o Beneficiaries: Full population coverage

o Range of services: Preventive, curative, rehabilitative and maternity services

o Financial Protection: Prevention of Catastrophic Health Expenditure

Implementation Strategy:

• Scandinavian model: tax-based financing (Norway, Sweden)

• Insurance based model: Germany's Social Health Insurance

• For developing countries: 'Sheikh Hasina National Health Insurance' scheme in Bangladesh

2. Strong primary health care system

Terms of Efficacy Enhancement:

1. Adequate number of trained workers (at least 23 health workers per 10,000 population).

2. 100% availability of essential medicines

3. Ensuring 24/7 emergency services

3. Digital Health Technology

Modern Solutions:

• Telemedicine platforms: video consultation, e-prescription (eg: platforms like Practo, Telemedicine startups in Bangladesh)

• Blockchain technology: patient data protection (Estonian e-Health system)

• AI Diagnostics: IBM Watson, Google DeepMind Health

Implementation Challenges:

• Bridging the digital divide

• Ensuring cyber security

• Strengthening of legal framework

4. Preventive health strategies

Key Areas:

1. Immunization Program:

o Infant Immunization (EPI)

o Adult vaccinations (HPV, hepatitis)

2. Lifestyle Management:

o Smoking Control (WHO FCTC)

o Reducing salt and sugar intake (UK Sugar Tax)

3. Environmental Health:

o Air quality monitoring (US EPA standards)

o Safe water supply (SDG 6)

5. Health crisis management

Required Ingredients:

• Biosafety Labs: BSL-4 facilities (eg: US CDC, Bangladesh IEDCR)

• Stockpiling: WHO Essential Medicines List

• Simulation Training: Regular Pandemic Drills

6. Human resource development

World Class Training Structure:

• Medical Education: Problem Based Learning (PBL) method

• Specialized training: Residency program in Japan

• Continuing Professional Development: CME (Continuing Medical Education) credit system

Staff Allocation Criteria:

• 3 doctors per 1,000 (WHO recommendation)

• Nurse-doctor ratio 3:1

• Network of Community Health Workers

7. Research and Innovation

Priority Areas:

1. Tropical Disease Research: Dengue, Malaria Vaccines

2. Antimicrobial resistance: development of new antibiotics

3. Genetic Medicine: Effective Cancer Therapy

Financing Model:

• Public-Private Partnership (PPP)

• Philanthropic Funding (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)

• Crowdfunding research projects

Implementation method

Phased Strategy:

1. Immediate (0-2 years):

o Ensuring availability of essential medicines

o Strengthening of Primary Health Centres

2. Medium term (3-5 years):

o Development of digital infrastructure

o Establishment of specialized hospitals

3. Long term (5+ years):

o Establishment of Medical Research Center

o Introduction of International Standard Curriculum

It is clear from this detailed analysis that achieving world-class health protection requires an integrated, multidimensional approach. Balanced development of each component and synergy between them can build a sustainable health care system.

Context of Bangladesh

Significant progress has been made in the field of health protection in Bangladesh, such as:

• Reduction in infant and maternal mortality

• Success of immunization programs

• Rural healthcare through community clinics

But the challenges are:

• • Low doctor-patient ratio

• • Disparity in health care between urban and rural areas

• • High cost of private hospitals

Conclusion

Ensuring health protection is not only the responsibility of the government, it is a collective effort. A healthy and prosperous society is possible through a combination of personal awareness, improved medical systems and sustainable policies. To achieve world-class health care, we must harness research, technology and human compassion.

Author:- MD Tanvir Hossain