Patient and provider perspectives of pluralistic primary care services in urban Bangladesh: a qualitative study

Rapid urbanisation and the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) present significant challenges for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Dhaka is experiencing these pressures intensely, and the city’s public primary health care (PHC) services are struggling to meet the increasing health demands of its urban poor. This study examined NCD healthcare access and utilisation in Dhaka’s urban slums, and found NCD patients are facing multiple barriers to accessing PHC services.

These barriers stem not only from limitations in the services provided but also from patients’ perceptions of both NCDs and primary care itself, which significantly influence their health-seeking behaviour. This study advances understanding of barriers to PHC utilisation in Dhaka by revealing how men and hijras are excluded, how restricted facility hours limit working-class men’s access, and how social networks can help reduce exclusion. While global frameworks offer valuable guidance, context-specific strategies such as public-private collaboration, inclusive service design and community engagement are necessary to address persistent inequities in PHC access in Dhaka City.

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Binth Jahan, N., Barua, D., Elsey, H. et al. Patient and provider perspectives of pluralistic primary care services in urban Bangladesh: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-026-14106-z