Effect of COVID-19 on Treatment of Kidney Dialysis Patients in Bangladesh

This paper investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of kidney dialysis patients in Bangladesh, focusing on the challenges faced, lessons learned, and future directions. The importance of the paper lies in the fact that the rising prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Bangladesh was worsened by the pandemic and demands attention. A mixed-method approach, quantitative and qualitative analyses, was adopted. Findings reveal significant challenges that resulted in deteriorating health outcomes for dialysis patients. The study further identifies regional disparities in treatment costs. Supply-side barriers include staff shortages and decreased patient volumes in public facilities. Recommendations are proposed to address financial barriers, improve access to affordable dialysis services in underserved regions, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure and workforce capacity to enhance resilience for future emergencies.