Experts at a programme emphasised the need for prioritising primary healthcare in the country's health sector reforms.
According to them, introduction of health insurance coverage and strengthening secondary as well as emergency healthcare are also vital issues.
Also granting hospitals financial autonomy to manage resources, including manpower, salaries, and allowances, and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for citizens remains a key priority, they said.
They came up with the observations at a national dialogue titled "Reform Pathways for Health Sector" held at the BRAC Centre Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday.
The UHC Forum, a coalition of multi-skilled professionals dedicated to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), organised the event in partnership with BRAC. Secretary of the Health Services Division Md. Saidur Rahman and Secretary of the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division Dr Md. Sarwar Bari were present as the guests of honour.
Convener of the UHC Forum and Chairperson of BRAC Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman delivered the welcome address. A panel of discussants includes Professor at the Institute of Health Economics of Dhaka University Dr Syed A. Hamid, former director general of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Abul Kalam Azad, members of the Health Reform Commission Professor Dr Liaquat Ali as well as Dr Naila Z Khan, and Senior Director of BRAC Health Programme and Humanitarian Crisis Management Programme Dr Akramul Islam.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Saidur Rahman said the government should recognise the valuable contribution of NGOs and the private sector and support their efforts so all stakeholders can work cohesively under a unified framework.
"Let us focus on collaborative action rather than assigning blame. By working together, we can confidently achieve our shared goals," he said.
In his speech, Dr Md. Sarwar Bari said the health sector has the potential to drive progress in poverty reduction, employment, and climate resilience. "As we navigate this transformative period, it is crucial to envision bold reforms or --think big," he said.
However, meaningful change within the ministry often requires an external 'push', he said, adding that such 'push' can come from civil society, sector experts, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders.
Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman said there is a need for approaching healthcare with a focus on multiple angles and priority areas which include access to care and service delivery, community engagement, and the promotion of preventive health.
"We must prioritise quality services that are patient-centred while also addressing health finance, human resources, and the overall capacity of the health sector," he said. "These are significant challenges that need to be tackled holistically. Equally important is defining the pathway for reforms and overcoming the implementation challenges that lie ahead," he added.
Dr Syed A. Hamid said the government must address the challenge of premium collection without subsidies to ensure social insurance for all.
Dr Abul Kalam Azad said healthcare in Bangladesh suffers from inequitable access and inadequate service delivery, leaving providers and patients dissatisfied. In a bid to address this, UHC must be prioritised, he added.
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