Commission turns to new govt to save stalled health reform plan
Nearly ten months after submitting a sweeping reform blueprint for Bangladesh’s health sector, the Health Reform Commission has written to the new government urging action on its long-pending recommendations.
The commission, led by National Professor Dr AK Azad Khan, recently sent a letter to Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain, calling for the implementation of the proposals and offering assistance if required.
Members of the commission said the letter emphasises that they are ready to provide full technical cooperation free of cost should the government seek support in executing the reforms.
The move comes as concerns grow within the health sector over the lack of progress in implementing the recommendations submitted to the previous interim administration.
Reform report submitted 10 months ago
The Health Reform Commission submitted its report on May 5 last year to the then chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The report contained 32 short- and medium-term recommendations aimed at addressing persistent weaknesses in Bangladesh’s healthcare system, including governance failures, inadequate funding, lack of digital infrastructure and poor protection for health professionals.
While receiving the report, Professor Yunus had instructed relevant authorities to quickly implement the recommendations that could be executed immediately, saying the reforms could help resolve many long-standing problems in the sector.
However, those involved in the process say there has been little visible progress since the report was submitted.
Commission’s stance on implementation
Speaking on Wednesday, March 11, Dr AK Azad Khan said the commission’s role formally ended after it submitted the report.
“We were responsible until the report was submitted. Implementation is entirely the government’s responsibility,” he said.
He declined to comment directly on the extent of progress, saying that if the recommendations had been implemented, it would be visible to everyone.
However, he confirmed that the commission had sent a letter to the new health minister highlighting the importance of the reform proposals and expressing readiness to assist the government in carrying them forward.
Key reforms awaiting action
The commission’s report proposed several major reforms that could significantly reshape the country’s healthcare system.
Among the most significant recommendations are the formation of an independent Bangladesh Health Commission to oversee health sector governance and granting greater autonomy to medical colleges and universities.
The report also suggested introducing a nationwide digital health system, including a unique health identification number and electronic health records for every citizen through a platform called “Health-Bridge”.
Other proposals include increasing health sector spending to at least 5 per cent of GDP, introducing social health insurance under a programme called ‘Health-Kavach’, and strengthening safety measures for doctors and healthcare workers, including the creation of a specialised security unit.
The commission further recommended introducing e-prescriptions nationwide, establishing district-level cancer detection centres, and creating a National Cancer Trust Fund to support treatment and research.
Pressure mounts on new administration
The issue has gained renewed attention after the BNP-led government took office following the recent national election.
Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain has recently visited several government hospitals and health facilities, where he acknowledged problems such as absenteeism among staff, management shortcomings and poor patient services.
He has also ordered tighter oversight of the rapidly expanding private clinic sector.
Public health experts say the commission’s recommendations could provide a roadmap for long-needed reforms, but warn that continued delays could deepen the structural problems in Bangladesh’s healthcare system.
With the commission now formally reaching out to the new government, attention is turning to whether the reform proposals will finally move from policy recommendations to practical implementation.