Health Reform: Commission Recommends Four National Health Support Networks

The Health Sector Reform Commission has proposed the creation of four nationwide support networks to improve the availability, quality, and accessibility of key healthcare services. These include the National Pharmacy Network (NPN), the National Diagnostic Laboratory Network, the National Blood Supply Network, and the National Ambulance Network.

In its report submitted last week, the commission said each network should be digitally integrated and managed to ensure seamless, efficient, and standardized service delivery across the country.

The recommendations come amid widespread challenges faced by patients in accessing these services. For instance, although nearly 400,000 pharmacies are registered in the country, most lack trained pharmacists, leading to the unregulated sale of antibiotics, drug misuse, and an uncontrolled pharmaceutical market. This undermines medicine quality, treatment outcomes, and patient safety, the commission noted.

To address this, the commission recommended establishing 24-hour, licensed pharmacies within all government hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and GP clinics under the NPN. These pharmacies would stock essential medicines as per the national drug list and serve both inpatients and outpatients. Operated by trained pharmacists, they would also promote rational drug use and offer patient guidance. A digital tracking system would forecast demand and curb wastage and theft.

Citing models from Sri Lanka and Thailand, the commission said the network would reduce dependency on unregulated private pharmacies, improve supply chain transparency, and make public spending on medicine more efficient.

The commission also called for a centrally coordinated National Ambulance Network to provide equitable, timely emergency transport from cities to remote areas. This system would include GPS-equipped ambulances, a central dispatch center, and a tiered fleet, funded through government resources, CSR contributions, and voluntary support. Public-private partnerships could help expand the network under a sustainable, socially driven model.

Referencing similar initiatives in India and Rwanda, the report said such a system would reduce delays in emergency care, cut out-of-pocket transport expenses, and promote a more inclusive health system.

While the commission also recommended establishing national diagnostic and blood supply networks, it did not provide detailed plans for these.