Driving Innovation: Advancing Healthcare through Digital Transformations in Bangladesh

Abstract

Digital health platforms hold immense potential to improve the delivery of high-quality healthcare to individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated an exponential growth in the use of various digital health platforms. In Bangladesh, there were 52.58 million internet users in 2022, with internet penetration at 31%[1]. The National ICT Household Survey 2018-19 stated that an overwhelming 92% of respondents had used the internet for social networking in the past 3 months [2]. Despite the surge in utilization of digital health platforms in Bangladesh during the pandemic, recent trends show a decline in the use of such platforms. One significant factor contributing to this decline is the growing concern among users regarding privacy and security issues. Within the digital sphere, ensuring data privacy and security is crucial, especially when it involves matters related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). SRHR issues are often stigmatized, leading people to keep it hidden and avoid seeking relevant information. Without proper regulation in place, the misuse of health data poses a serious threat to an individual’s privacy. Unauthorized access, data breaches, and the potential for exploitation of sensitive health information are all risks that need immediate attention. The trend of decreasing digital health use in Bangladesh, should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen regulatory frameworks and address privacy and security concerns.