Redwanur M. Rahman and Darrel N. Caulley
This paper describes the methodology of a PhD thesis that was a study of the regulatory practices in the private health care sector of Bangladesh. The paper begins by situating…
Abstract
This paper describes the methodology of a PhD thesis that was a study of the regulatory practices in the private health care sector of Bangladesh. The paper begins by situating the methodology in the nature, context and significance of the study. As the study involved a policy analysis and evaluation these are defined and described. The paper concentrates on the research design and methodology, which involved the use of qualitative methods. The sampling is described and the methods used included in‐depth interviews, the taking of field notes based on observations and document analysis. Attention is also given to ethical issues. The problems that emerged and the limitations of the study design and methodology are also discussed.
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Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that triggered the privatisation of Bangladesh’s health sector.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that triggered the privatisation of Bangladesh’s health sector.
Design/methodology/approach
This study follows systematic reviews in its undertaking and is based on an extensive review of both published and unpublished documents. Different search engines and databases were used to collect the materials. The study takes into account of various research publications, journal articles, government reports, policy and planning documents, relevant press reports/articles, and reports and discussion papers from the World Health Organization, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
Findings
While Bangladesh’s healthcare sector has undergone an increasing trend towards privatisation, this move has limited benefits on the overall improvement in the health of the people of Bangladesh. The public sector should remain vital, and the government must remobilise it to provide better provision of healthcare.
Research limitations/implications
The paper focusses only on the public policy aspect of privatisation in healthcare of a country.
Practical implications
The paper examines the issue of privatisation of healthcare and concludes that privatisation not only makes services more expensive, but also diminishes equity and accountability in the provision of services. The study, first, makes a spate of observations on improving public healthcare resources, which can be of value to key decision makers and stakeholders in the healthcare sector. It also discourages the move towards private sector interventions.
Originality/value
This study is an independent explanation of a country’s healthcare system. Lesson learned from this study could also be used for developing public policy in similar socio-economic contexts.
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M. Redwanur Rahman and Farhana Hashem
States that the health of a population is determined by different socio‐economic, locational and cultural factors in society. Uses Bangladesh as a case study, showing how its…
Abstract
States that the health of a population is determined by different socio‐economic, locational and cultural factors in society. Uses Bangladesh as a case study, showing how its health is affected by factors such as economics, food and nutrition, social factors, political issues, environmental issues, healthcare facilities and international issues. Concludes that the health of this nation is in a dismal state, with a population victim to food shortages, limited income and little healthcare access.
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Habib Zafarullah and Redwanur Rahman
This paper aims to assess state capacity in Bangladesh and to analyse the reasons for the apparent failure of public agencies in creating the conditions for and in enhancing sound…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess state capacity in Bangladesh and to analyse the reasons for the apparent failure of public agencies in creating the conditions for and in enhancing sound governance in the country. Conflicts between political parties and the government's lack of clear policy goals have led to a political situation, which is fragile and largely dysfunctional.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews the main conceptual literature on governance and state capacity and assesses the status of state institutions in Bangladesh – how they fare, the way they operate and their implications for governance.
Findings
The paper points to the failure of the state machinery in formulating and implementing sound policies. Successive governments have politicised the administrative system and compounded the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the government. Corruption, nepotism, and clientalism have produced flaws and shortcomings at both political and administrative level. Political instability in government and poor governance has produced a state that is weak and fragmented.
Research limitations/implications
It is mainly focused on one country and is a general overview of key developments, trends and flaws in the functioning of the state.
Practical implications
It is relevant for understanding the general trends and dynamics of state capacity building within a broad framework of governance in a developing country. The findings may be useful for policy makers in reform initiatives.
Originality/value
It provides an assessment of the practical problems of political and administrative management in an unstable political environment.