Tk 120 crore worth of medicines dispatched to 14,467 community clinics nationwide to end shortage and restore free healthcare. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Sept 4, 2025 (BSS) - New procurement and nationwide fresh supplies of medical products help community clinics recover from medicine shortage easing free medicare for patients.

Talking to BSS, Community Clinic Health Support Trust (CCHST) Managing Director Md. Akhtaruzzaman said medicines worth Tk 120 crore have already been procured from Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL) and started its distribution. 

Officials said the country's 14,467 community clinics collectively serve an average of 500,000 patients daily. The clinics were established across the country to provide free healthcare and essential medicines to the people at the grassroots. 

Typically, each clinic receives medicine supplies every three months as a total of 22 types of medicines are supplied free of cost through these clinics.

However, in recent months, many clinics faced inadequate supply of medicines, resulting in patients not receiving all the necessary drugs during initial treatment visits. 

That shortage, however, is expected to be resolved by next week. Medicines have already been dispatched to clinics in all districts as several have received their consignments, the officials added.

"Medicines have been sent to all districts. It usually takes one or two days for them to reach the upazila and union levels," said Akhtaruzzaman, adding, "We expect that medicines will be available at all community clinics by next week." 

He also mentioned that the process is underway to purchase an additional Taka 200 crore worth of medicines.

According to the CCHST, a total of 14,467 community clinics are currently operational across the country. 

Each clinic is staffed by a Community Healthcare Provider (CHCP), along with a Health Assistant and a Family Planning Assistant who provide services twice a week. 

The operations of each clinic are overseen by a community group comprising 13 to 17 members. A total of 22 types of medicines are supplied free of cost through these clinics.

In line with the government's decision to combat the rising prevalence of hypertension, Amlodipine 5mg is now being provided through the clinics. Additionally, Metformin 500mg is being supplied for diabetes management.

CCHST Director (Field Administration) Asif Mahmud said that the country's 14,467 community clinics collectively serve an average of 500,000 patients daily, with each clinic seeing around 35 patients per day. 

"Currently, 22 types of medicines are being provided free of charge, although the list does not include any antibiotics," he added.

He expressed optimism that medicines will reach all clinics within the next few days.

CHCP of Gazipur Sadar Upazila Community Clinic Parmul Akter told BSS, "I received medicines just a few days ago. All community clinics across Gazipur district have been supplied medicines."