
Victor Dasgupta
Victor Dasgupta is an Assistant News Editor at India.com, where he tracks major developments across national politics, education, world affairs, business, and current events. He specializes in simplif ... Read More
New Delhi: Bankrupt Bangladesh is facing a major public health crisis, which many consider more severe than the country’s ongoing political instability. According to the reports, the stock of condoms is likely to run out in the coming days. Experts are of the opinion that this could massively affect the country’s family planning programme, putting decades of hard-earned progress at risk. This situation could persist for at least a month at the beginning of next year. It is important to note that the prices of both local and premium condom brands have begun to skyrocket.
In the last few years, the supply of contraceptive medicines in Bangladesh has declined. Now, a shortage of funds and a severe lack of staff have pushed the system to the brink. The Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP) distributes five types of contraceptives free of cost across the country.
These include condoms, oral pills, IUDs (copper-T inserted in the uterus), injectables, and implants (rods placed under the skin). However, DGFP is now finding it difficult even to maintain adequate stocks of these medicines.
Abdur Razzak, Director of the DGFP’s Logistics and Supply Unit, has acknowledged the crisis. He said that a legal case related to the procurement of medicines is currently underway. Until this matter is resolved, it is not possible to purchase new supplies. He also admitted that the condom stock will be exhausted even before the legal issue is settled.
The problem is being further aggravated by a severe shortage of family planning workers. These workers are the backbone of Bangladesh’s contraceptive distribution system. DGFP Director General Asharfi Ahmed said that recruitment to key positions has been stalled due to legal hurdles.
According to some media reports, amid this shortage many medical stores are also taking advantage of the situation. Local and low-cost brands (such as Raja/Partner) have increased from 15–25 taka per packet to 30–50 taka. Premium brands (such as Durex/Manforce), which earlier cost 200–250 taka for a pack of three, are now being sold for 300–700 taka or even more.
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest World News on India.com.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts Cookies Policy.