HEALTHCARE

OVERVIEW

Bangladesh is uniquely positioned as an emerging healthcare investment destination, offering strong macroeconomic fundamentals, a cost-competitive environment, and a rapidly growing skilled workforce, delivering some of the highest returns for global investors. With a $19.4 billion healthcare market, 100% FDI allowance, and booming demand for specialized care and med- tech, the country offers unparalleled investment opportunities. Additionally, a $5 billion market gap in outbound medical spending and rapid growth in digital health solutions make now the perfect time to invest, innovate, and lead in one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.

To showcase these opportunities, Inspira Advisory, EBL and Sajida Foundation are organizing the Healthcare session in partnership with BIDA, uniting global healthcare leaders, renowned local experts, health-tech innovators, investors, and policymakers to explore investment prospects and drive strategic collaborations.

The session will showcase key investment prospects in tertiary healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, medical devices, digital health, and mental health services. It will also explore advancements in MedTech, AI-powered healthcare solutions, and telemedicine platforms, addressing Bangladesh’s evolving healthcare landscape while strengthening global partnerships.

Tertiary Healthcare: Over the past two decades, registered private hospitals, clinics, and diagnostics centers have increased almost up to six times, reflecting the ever-growing demand. The increasing population, combined with a significant portion of health expenditure being paid out-of-pocket (74%), underscores the rising need for more healthcare facilities to meet the demand.

Pharmaceuticals: Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry has emerged as a powerhouse of growth and innovation, positioning itself as one of the most dynamic sectors in South Asia, surpassing $6 billion by 2025. The government is further amplifying growth through initiatives like API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) industrial parks to reduce reliance on imported raw materials, while incentives for biotechnology R&D and digital pharma solutions are unlocking new frontiers.

Medical Equipment: Bangladesh’s medical device & equipment industry also offers high growth potential at 13% CAGR with a US$442 million (2022) market valuation and is expected to grow to US$820 million (2025). The produced equipment ranges from surgical goods to glucometers and ventilators. Currently, 85% of the domestic needs are fulfilled by import. The market is naturally expanding by increasing local market demand. Investment opportunities are higher due to tax levies, raw material import waivers, export incentives, and 52 preferential export markets.

Digital Healthcare:  Bangladesh is ready to have transformative growth in the digital healthcare segment. A rapidly expanding Middle and Affluent Class (MAC) population with rising purchasing power and health awareness, a mobile-first nation with over 176 million users, and growing internet penetration make Bangladesh a lucrative hub for digital innovations.