Only 57 per cent of Bangladeshis have come under essential health service coverage, far below the UN sustainable goal of 80 per cent by 2025 and 100 per cent by 2030, according to a health ministry report.

An estimated Tk 2.28 trillion has been spent on health in the last 16 years since FY2008-09 with average annual growth of 12 per cent, but key goals like reducing maternal mortality and lowering adolescent births remain unmet.

The ministry revealed these issues with a proposal seeking Tk 43.89 billion to operate primary healthcare activities in the next five years as part of the proposed fifth Health Population and Nutrition Sector Program (HPNSP).

The report cited insufficient funds, manpower, infrastructure and equipment for poor health outcomes.