Staff Reporter :
The Health Sector Reform Commission has proposed the introduction of a dedicated health tax on luxury and non-essential goods and services, alongside the establishment of a social health insurance scheme aimed at ensuring equitable access to healthcare across Bangladesh.
In a report submitted to Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Monday, the commission outlined 37 comprehensive recommendations to reform the country’s healthcare system, with a focus on improving accessibility, affordability, and long-term financial sustainability.
Acting on the report, Professor Yunus instructed relevant authorities to begin implementing the recommendations, emphasising
their significance in addressing the sector’s persistent challenges.
Among the key proposals is a health tax to be levied on high-end and non-essential services and products. These would include air-conditioned restaurants, luxury hotels, premium shopping centres, multiplex cinemas, amusement parks, high-end electronics, luxury spas, and exclusive private clubs. The commission stressed that the tax must be carefully structured to avoid placing a financial burden on lower-income groups.
Another central recommendation calls for allocating a minimum of 5 percent of the country’s GDP and approximately 15 percent of the national budget to the healthcare sector. According to the commission, this enhanced investment would reduce out-of-pocket expenditures, expand access to essential health services, and provide greater financial protection for the population.
To attract direct investments from the Bangladeshi diaspora, the commission has also proposed the launch of a government-backed Health Development Expatriate Bond.
This financial instrument would offer competitive interest rates, tax incentives, and favourable foreign exchange terms. Funds raised would be channelled into priority areas such as strengthening primary healthcare, modernising public hospitals, expanding digital health services, improving emergency preparedness, and rolling out the proposed national health insurance scheme.
The commission recommended that the implementation process be overseen by a coordinated administrative framework managed jointly by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Finance.
To boost participation from overseas Bangladeshis, the commission further suggested launching a global outreach campaign via embassies, consulates, and digital media platforms. The campaign would highlight how diaspora contributions can significantly enhance public healthcare infrastructure and improve quality of life.
Drawing from successful international models, the report cited India’s diaspora bond initiative, which raised US$11 billion for healthcare and infrastructure, and Ethiopia’s use of similar instruments to fund key development projects such as energy and railways.
