The efficiency of secondary-level hospitals in hard-to-reach and non-hard-to-reach areas in Bangladesh: a data envelopment analysis approach

Hospitals in HTR regions are found to be less technically efficient than non-HTR regions in Bangladesh. Policymakers should address the underlying causes of inefficiencies, implement targeted interventions such as improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations residing in HTR regions, optimize bed occupancy rates and reduce length of stays with proper referral systems and discharge planning in these particular areas. This indicates that further research on health systems in climate-vulnerable areas in Bangladesh should be prioritized to effectively address these challenges.