Digital healthcare: sense of data insecurity, intimidation: key barriers

Limited knowledge of healthcare services, misinformation, confusion over data security and harassment are some of the challenges slowing the spread of digital healthcare services in Bangladesh, a study has found.

In addition, survey respondents said they did not rely on unknown healthcare providers, mainly believing that proper treatment was not possible online.

Researchers from BRAC University’s James P Grant School of Public Health conducted the study titled ‘Understanding digital health needs: A qualitative study to explore urban and peri-urban user experiences and challenges to strengthen digital health services in Bangladesh’ .

It was presented during a session on the closing day of a two-day inaugural Development Studies International Conference 2024, held at a city hotel on Monday.

The international event was jointly organized by the Department of Development Studies of the University of Dhaka (DU) and the Bonik Barta.

The survey was conducted in the metropolitan areas of Dhaka and the adjoining areas of Tangail, Savar and Narayanganj.

On behalf of the research team, Sabiha M Khan presented the paper at the session titled ‘Pathways to Digital and Social Transformation’.

Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies Dr Binayak Sen chaired the session attended by DU Sociology Prof Dr Zeenat Huda and iSocial Limited CEO Dr Ananya Raihan as discussants.

Two other papers were also presented during the session.

Dr. Faruk Shah, associate professor of development studies at DU, presented a paper on ‘Impacts of climate change on the health and coping strategies of indigenous people: a case study of Santal community in Bangladesh’.

Dr. Touhidul Islam, associate professor in the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at DU, presented a paper on ‘Repatriation of Rohingya from Bangladesh to Myanmar: Caught between uncertainties and promises’.

Speaking at the event, Dr Sen said optimal digital transformation could help many marginal people avail healthcare and education services, which have seen a significant increase during the pandemic.

“Insolvent people, who cannot afford the luxury of visiting a personal doctor, can in some cases avail the services digitally,” he said.

However, he underlined the need for further evidence-based research into digital healthcare services to reap the benefits of the service.

Despite the potential, says Dr Ananya Raihan, digital healthcare platforms have not scaled to the desired level due to a number of challenges.

He said lack of trust and unfamiliarity with the service are two of the common factors behind the limited growth of digital healthcare.

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