Dhaka: The government has officially established a 12-member Health Sector Reform Commission, appointing Professor AK Azad Khan as its head. This significant step was confirmed through a gazette notification issued by the Cabinet Division.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the commission comprises several notable members including Professor Md Muhammad Zakir Hossain from the Public Health and Health Informatics Department at BSMMU, Prof Dr Liaquat Ali, chairman of Pothikrit Foundation, and Prof Dr Sayera Akther, a gynecologist, among others. The team also includes experts like Prof Dr Naila Zaman Khan from the Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, MM Reza, a former secretary, and Dr Azharul Islam from ICDDR,B.
The commission is tasked with commencing its activities promptly, gathering opinions from relevant stakeholders, and submitting a comprehensive report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus within a 90-day timeframe. As per the notification, the commission members, including the chief, will
receive status, salary, and benefits as determined by the government. However, any member wishing to volunteer without compensation must seek permission from the chief adviser.
The formation of this commission is part of a broader initiative announced by the government on October 17, which also includes the establishment of new reform commissions focused on mass media, workers’ rights, and women’s affairs.