Dhaka: The Health Sector Reform Commission has proposed recognizing primary healthcare as a fundamental right of citizens through an amendment to the Constitution. This recommendation was submitted in a report to Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the commission emphasized that healthcare should be considered a basic right for all citizens. They suggested that primary healthcare should be enshrined as a fundamental right through constitutional amendment. The report further recommends enacting a separate ‘Primary Healthcare Act’ to define citizens’ rights and the state’s duties in providing free primary healthcare, thereby ensuring long-term equity and accountability in the health sector.
The commission’s report is dedicated to the memories of the martyrs of the great Liberation War of 1971 and the July-August 2024 uprising. The report expresses hope that these health sector reforms will help realize the dream of a just, discrimination-free society. Despite significant progress in primary healthcare since independence, Bangladesh is still behind in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and universal health coverage, according to the preamble.
With the Chief Advisor’s approval, the Health Sector Reform Commission was established to propose necessary reforms for a more people-oriented and universal healthcare system. This initiative was formalized through a gazette notification published on November 18 of the previous year. National Professor and Diabetic Association of Bangladesh President Dr. AK Azad Khan was appointed as the commission’s chief.
The commission also comprised Professor Dr. Abu Muhammad Zakir Hossain, Professor Dr. Liaquat Ali, Professor Dr. Sayera Akther, Professor Dr. Naila Zaman Khan, MM Reza, Professor Dr. Muzaherul Huq, Dr. Azharul Islam, Professor Dr. Syed Md Akram Hossain, Professor Dr. Syed Atiqul Haque, Dr. Ahmed Ahsanur Rahman, and Omair Afif. The Health Services Division of the Health and Family Welfare Ministry provided secretarial support.
The commission considered various factors in formulating its recommendations, such as the timeline for implementation, actions required during the interim government, the next elected government’s term, and national expectations and commitments. To prepare the report and recommendations, the commission conducted 51 regular meetings and 32 consultation meetings across Chattogram, Rangamati, Khulna, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Barisal, Munshiganj, and Dhaka, seeking advice from experienced individuals, professionals, and expert organizations.