Govt considers expanding Alo Clinics to improve urban healthcare access

The government is considering expanding the Alo Clinic model after evidence showed it has significantly improved access to quality primary healthcare for children, women, and vulnerable families in underserved urban communities.

The findings were presented at a national dissemination workshop organised by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) today (9 July), attended by Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Husain as the chief guest.

"The way Alo Clinics are delivering quality healthcare to disadvantaged urban communities is truly exemplary," the minister said, adding that he would visit one of the clinics next week and apply its lessons to the 192 urban health centers recently taken over from the city corporations.

The workshop was jointly organised by Alo Clinic and the DGHS with support from the Embassy of Sweden, Unicef and PHD.

Since 2021, six Alo Clinics in Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Gazipur, and Narayanganj have been providing free, integrated, and fully digital primary healthcare services under the national Essential Services Package.

However, four clinics also operate 24-hour midwife-led normal delivery centers, which have conducted more than 1,000 safe deliveries since January this year.

"Every citizen has the right to quality healthcare, regardless of where they live or their financial capacity. We must build a healthcare system that is accessible, accountable, people-centered, and resilient," the health minister said.

He also said the government plans to expand kidney dialysis services to upazila and district hospitals while increasing ambulance availability in remote areas.