Study on AI-Integrated Primary Health Care Delivery in Bangladesh Launched
Under the leadership of Health Economics Unit, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) and Spreeha Foundation have launched “Techno-Economic Study of AI-Integrated Primary Health Care Delivery in Bangladesh on July 16, 2026. This marks an important step towards exploring how artificial intelligence can strengthen the country’s primary healthcare system.
The study will assess the technical, economic, and operational feasibility of integrating AI-enabled technologies into Bangladesh’s primary healthcare infrastructure. The study is funded by Spreeha Foundation.
Dr. M A Muhit, Honourable State Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, officially inaugurated the study as the Chief Guest.
Speaking at the launch, the Honourable State Minister said,
“I believe this study is a good first step towards the re-modelling of health sector scenario of Bangladesh integrating technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) that aligns with the Government’s priority and election manifesto. He expressed optimism – This is a very ideal setting – a collaboration between government, academia and non-profits to reach a shared goal. I look forward to coming back next year to discuss the research outcomes at the learning dissemination event.”
The initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to exploring responsible and evidence-based applications of emerging technologies in healthcare. Through the study, the team aims to identify practical ways AI can support healthcare professionals, improve clinical and operational decision-making, optimise resource utilisation, and expand access to quality primary healthcare, particularly for underserved communities.
Primary healthcare serves as the first point of contact with the health system for millions of people across Bangladesh. As demand for accessible and efficient services continues to grow, the study will help determine where and how AI can be introduced safely and effectively while remaining aligned with Bangladesh’s healthcare priorities and realities.
The programme also featured remarks from the Special Guest:Professor Dr. Abdur Rab, Vice Chancellor, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology.
He highlighted,
You may love or hate AI but you cannot ignore it. The new generation could play a vital role in leading and implementing technology as they are more habituated to it. I am happy to see researchers and students from Department of Public Health, IUBAT are actively engaged in this study and they will continue to do so even after this current project ends.
The launch event was chaired by Dr. Md. Enamul Haque, Director General (Additional Secretary), Health Economics Unit. Under the leadership of the Health Economics Unit, the study will bring together expertise from government, academia, healthcare, economics, and technology to develop evidence-based recommendations for the potential adoption of AI within the primary healthcare system.
Representing Spreeha Foundation, Dr. Michael Tjalve, Chairperson, Spreeha Foundation, stated,
“Healthcare is fundamentally a human practice, and AI can only give humans more time, better information, sharper engagement and a longer reach.”
He underscored how Spreeha’s core value of empathy guides them in building a human-centred and explainable AI for primary healthcare.
The project overview was presented by the Project Team Leader, Professor Sk Nazmul Huda. A technical presentation was jointly delivered by Dr. Ishtique Zahid and Tahsin Ifnoor Sayeed from Spreeha Foundation, highlighting the implementation aspects of AI deployment.
Officials from Spreeha Foundation including – Ajoy Kumar Bose, Senior Director of Institutional Affairs, Farha Sharmin, Director of Programs and Halima-Tus-Sadia, Head of Growth were present at the launching event. Government Officials, policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, academics, development partners, and technology experts attended the programme to discuss the opportunities, challenges, safeguards, and future roadmap for AI-integrated primary healthcare delivery in Bangladesh.