Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has voiced his concerns regarding the commercialization of healthcare, asserting that healthcare should not be left to profit-driven entities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Yunus made these remarks during the ‘UNGA High Level Working Session: Transforming Primary Healthcare-Bangladesh’s Blueprint’ held in the USA. He emphasized the risk of healthcare becoming derailed due to a focus on profit maximization. Yunus pointed out the significant opportunities for profit in healthcare, which can lead to a distortion of priorities in the sector.
Professor Yunus highlighted the issues observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that vaccine distribution was heavily skewed, with 10 countries acquiring about 80 percent of the global vaccine supply. He used this example to illustrate the consequences of a money-making approach in healthcare.
He advocated for the integration of social business models in healthcare to address social challenges globally. The session was also attended by Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, NCP leader Dr. Tasnim Jara, and BRAC executive director Dr. Asif Saleh.