The Reform Commission has proposed the establishment of a permanent 'Bangladesh Health Commission'

The Health Sector Reform Commission submitted its final report today to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, recommending the establishment of an independent and permanent body titled the "Bangladesh Health Commission (BHC)" to promote the implementation of the "Health in All Policies" (HiAP) approach. Addressing a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, Commission Chair Professor AK Azad Khan stated that the proposed commission would oversee primary healthcare services and operate under the direct accountability of the head of government. He emphasized that the BHC, working through 17 departments, would strive to ensure a transparent and efficient healthcare system.

Commission member Dr Syed Md Akram Hossain outlined key recommendations for reforming the national health sector. Among them was a proposal to recognize primary healthcare as a fundamental right through constitutional amendment and to provide such services free of cost to the population. The commission also advocated for revising existing health-related laws and introducing new legislation to safeguard patient rights, ensure adequate funding, and enhance transparency and accountability within the sector.

Proposed new legislation includes 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. Additionally, the commission suggested the formation of the Bangladesh Health Service (BHS) to provide universal and accessible healthcare, emphasizing its full decentralization for maximum reach and effectiveness.

To strengthen governance, the commission recommended the creation of a high-level search committee for transparent appointment of senior officials in health-related institutions. It also called for establishing an independent public service commission (health) to oversee recruitment within the sector.

Present at the press conference were the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and 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. Earlier in the day, Professor AK Azad Khan formally handed over the report to Professor Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.

The 12-member Health Sector Reform Commission was constituted by the interim government in November 2024. The members include Professor AK Azad Khan, President of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (chair); Prof Md Muhammad Zakir Hossain from BSMMU; Prof Dr Liaquat Ali, Chair of the Pothikrit Foundation; gynecologist Prof Dr Sayera Akther; neurologist Prof Dr Naila Zaman Khan; former secretary MM Reza; former WHO adviser Prof Dr Muzaherul Huq; Dr Azharul Islam from ICDDR,B; Dr Syed Md Akram Hossain of Square Cancer Centre; Prof Dr Syed Atiqul Haque of Green Life Centre; Dr Ahmed Ahsanur Rahman from ICDDR,B; and Omair Afif, a student of Dhaka Medical College.