Primary healthcare must take centre stage in health sector reforms, with health insurance introduced to ensure coverage for all. Strengthening secondary and emergency healthcare is equally vital, alongside granting hospitals financial autonomy to manage resources, including manpower, salaries, and allowances. Reducing out-of-pocket expenses for citizens remains a key priority. For holistic progress, NGOs, private entities, and social service organisations must be officially recognised and work in coordination with the government to bring about meaningful change. Most importantly, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) must be given due consideration.
These were the key takeaways from the national dialogue titled “Reform Pathways for Health Sector” held at the BRAC Centre Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday, 14 December 2024, to mark UHC Day 2024. The UHC Forum, a coalition of multi-skilled professionals dedicated to advancing Universal Health Coverage, hosted the event in collaboration with BRAC.
The dialogue convened policymakers, health professionals, civil society members, development partners, and representatives from media to assess the current state of Bangladesh’s health sector and identify actionable reform agendas.