Health Sector Reform Commission proposes for free primary healthcare

The Health Sector Reform Commission on Monday unveiled its report recommending the inclusion of primary healthcare as a basic right in the constitution, providing free primary healthcare, allocation of 15 percent of the national budget for the health sector and formation of a permanent health commission.

The commission also recommended the formation of the Bangladesh Health Service, the recruitment of primary care physicians by establishing primary healthcare centres in rural and urban areas, the free supply of essential drugs at the primary level and at subsidised prices in other cases, and the shutting down of substandard medical education institutes.

The report was unveiled at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Chief of the 12-member Health Sector Reform Commission, National Professor Dr AK Azad Khan, delivered the introductory speech, while commission member Prof Dr Syed Md Akram Hossain unveiled the report.

Other members of the commission Dr Abu Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Prof Dr Liaquat Ali, Prof Dr Syed Md Akram Hossain, Prof Dr Syed Atiqul Haque, Prof Dr Sayera Akther, MM Reza, Dr Azharul Islam, Dr Ahmed Ahsanur Rahman and Omair Afif were present.

Earlier, at 11:00 am, the Reform Commission submitted its report to Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus.

On 17 November 2024, the Health Reform Commission was formed with National Professor and President of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, Professor Dr AK Azad Khan, as its head.