Yunus orders immediate implementation of key health reform proposals

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday directed relevant authorities to begin executing the immediately actionable recommendations of the Health Sector Reform Commission, emphasising their potential to address long-standing issues in the country’s healthcare system.

The directive came after the commission formally submitted its report to him at the State Guest House Jamuna.

Describing the report as a “groundbreaking step,” Prof Yunus said, “The problems in the health sector have persisted for years. If we can address them through this report, it would mark a historic breakthrough.”

Highlighting the acute shortage of doctors, he noted that in some areas, medical personnel are either unavailable or absent despite being officially assigned. “This issue must be resolved permanently,” he stressed.

Prof Yunus also underscored the importance of decentralizing the healthcare system. “Without decentralisation, these problems will persist. It must be ensured that doctors are present and serving in their assigned locations,” he said.

The commission, led by its chair Professor AK Azad Khan, presented the report to Prof Yunus around 11 a.m. Members present included Prof Md Muhammad Zakir Hossain, Prof Dr Liaquat Ali, Prof Dr Sayera Akther, MM Reza, Dr Azharul Islam, Dr Syed Md Akram Hossain, Prof Dr Syed Atiqul Haque, Dr Ahmed Ahsanur Rahman, and Omair Afif.

Other members of the commission include Prof Dr Naila Zaman Khan and Prof Dr Muzaherul Huq.