Background
Swisscontact was established in 1959 as an independent foundation by notable figures from the worlds of commerce and science in Switzerland. It is exclusively involved in international development cooperation and has carried out its mandated projects since 1961. Based in Zurich, Swisscontact currently manages over 130 projects in 41 countries on behalf of public and private funding partners.
Project Brief
As part of its ongoing engagement in Bangladesh, Swisscontact implements the ASTHA (Achieving Sustainability Towards Healthcare Access) project, which contributes to improving access to quality healthcare in rural communities. Following the successful completion of Phase II (2019–2022), which demonstrated the commercial viability and sustainability of Community Paramedic Training Institutes (CPTIs) and Community Paramedics (CPs), ASTHA entered Phase III (2023–2026). Operating across 12 districts, the current phase focuses on consolidation, scale and systemic change, while strengthening the institutionalisation of the Community Paramedic model.
As key last-mile healthcare providers, CPs manage and exchange information throughout the patient care journey, including patient history, treatment, referrals, follow-up and reporting. However, there is limited understanding of how this information is recorded, used and exchanged between CPs and other actors across the healthcare system.
Against this backdrop, Swisscontact intends to commission a study to understand the Community Paramedic information ecosystem, assess digital readiness, and explore opportunities for an integrated digital platform to support CP-led care. The study will also examine the potential of AI-enabled and voice-based interfaces to make digital health solutions more accessible and practical in last-mile settings, particularly for users with limited literacy and digital skills.
Objective of the Study
The objective of this study is to assess how Community Paramedics receive, record, use and exchange information across the patient care journey, evaluate their digital readiness, and identify the requirements and opportunities for an integrated, AI-enabled platform to strengthen information management, care coordination and continuity of care.
The detailed ToR can be found in the link below:
Desired criteria for research firm(s)/ Consultant(s)
- Minimum five (05) years of proven experience in conducting research, operational studies, assessments or similar assignments.
- Strong understanding of Bangladesh’s healthcare system, particularly community-level service delivery and linkages with public and private healthcare providers.
- Proven experience in qualitative and quantitative research, including stakeholder consultations, interviews, focus group discussions and field observations.
- Demonstrated ability to assess service delivery processes, information flows, user needs and stakeholder interactions, and translate findings into practical and actionable recommendations.
- Experience in digital readiness assessments, digital health, AI-enabled or voice-based solutions will be considered an added advantage
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Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality research, assessment and analytical reports with clear findings and recommendations.
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Prior experience working with international development organisations will be considered an advantage.
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Adequate human and financial resources to undertake the assignment effectively, with the capacity to mobilise additional resources as required.
All interested research firm(s)/ Consultant(s) should submit the following documents.
- A technical proposal (Page limit 8) demonstrating understanding of the assignment, proof of relevant experience, and work plan. A separate financial proposal including a detailed budget for the assignment.
- Company registration document (an updated trade license)
- Tax identification number (TIN certificate)
- VAT registration number (BIN certificate)
- Proof of last submitted return (PSR)
- Bank account details (account name, account number, bank name, branch name, routing number)
- A signed statement testifying that all information contained within the proposal is correct and true
Submission Guideline
Technical Proposal:
Interested research firm(s)/ Consultant(s) should submit the technical proposal via email [email protected] mentioning “Assessment of the community paramedic information ecosystem and digital readiness” in the subject line.
Financial Proposal:
Interested research firm(s)/ Consultant(s) are required to submit a sealed envelope containing the hard copy of the financial proposal.
Note: Interested research firm(s)/ Consultant(s) are requested not to submit any soft copy of the financial proposal through email or digital means.
Hard copies should be submitted to the following address:
Coordinator- Procurement & Government Relations
Swisscontact Bangladesh
House 28, Road 43, Gulshan-2, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
The subject line–“Assessment of the community paramedic information ecosystem and digital readiness” must be mentioned on the envelope and email. Deadline for submission: 14 October 2026, before 5:00 pm.
If anyone has any queries, please contact [email protected] by 08 October 2026 with all the questions. Swisscontact will clarify the queries through an email by 11 October 2026.
Swisscontact reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals without assigning any reason. Also, Swisscontact reserves the right to select more than one service provider for the assignment.
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