Dhaka: The Health Sector Reform Commission today submitted its report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, recommending the formation of an independent and permanent “Bangladesh Health Commission (BHC)” with the aim of implementing health in all policies (HiAP).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the commission’s chief, Professor AK Azad Khan, stated at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy that the Bangladesh Health Commission would oversee primary healthcare services. The commission will be accountable to the head of the government, ensuring a transparent and effective healthcare system through 17 departments.
Commission member Dr. Syed Md Akram Hossain presented the recommendations to reform the country’s health sector during the briefing. Hossain emphasized the proposal to recognize primary healthcare as a fundamental right by amending the Constitution and providing free primary healthcare services to the people.
The commission also suggested amending all health-related laws to make them current and enacting new laws to ensure patient protection, financial allocation, transparency, and accountability in the health sector. Proposed new laws include the Bangladesh Health Commission Act, Bangladesh Health Service Act, Primary Healthcare Act, Health Protection Act, Medicine Price Fixation and Access Act, Allied Health Professional Act, and Bangladesh Medical Research Council Act.
Dr. Hossain highlighted the recommendation to constitute the Bangladesh Health Service (BHS) to ensure universal and accessible healthcare services for all. He advocated for the full decentralization of the Bangladesh Health Service to achieve these goals.
The reform commission proposed forming a high-level search committee to ensure transparency in the appointment of high-level officials in various health sector entities. It also suggested the creation of an independent public service commission (health) to recruit manpower in the health sector.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and several commission members, including Prof Md Muhammad Zakir Hossain, Prof Dr Liaquat Ali, Prof Dr Sayera Akther, MM Reza, Dr Azharul Islam, Prof Dr Syed Atiqul Haque, Dr Ahmed Ahsanur Rahman, and Omair Afif, were also present at the press briefing.
Earlier in the day, Health Sector Reform Commission members, led by Prof AK Azad Khan, handed over the report to Prof Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna at about 11 am. The interim government formed the 12-member Health Sector Reform Commission in November 2024, consisting of various experts and professionals from the health sector.