HC rule on universal health coverage

The High Court on Monday issued a rule asking why the government’s alleged inaction and failure to ensure universal health coverage for citizens should not be declared illegal.

A bench of Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortti and Justice Abdur Rahman passed the order after a preliminary hearing on a public interest writ petition, directing the Health Ministry to explain its position.

The court also sought to know why an independent committee should not be formed within one month to monitor and guide the implementation of universal health coverage, and why a progress report should not be submitted within three months.

The petition, filed by Advocate Nishat Mahmud on behalf of several lawyers, argued that the state has a constitutional obligation under Articles 15, 18 and 32 to ensure healthcare for all citizens, which has not been properly implemented.

Citing WHO standards, it defined universal health coverage as access to quality healthcare without financial hardship, noting that about 79 percent of medical expenses in Bangladesh are still paid out of pocket.

The petition further stated that high treatment costs are pushing millions of people into poverty each year, while many patients with serious illnesses are unable to access care.

It also highlighted weak budget allocation and underutilisation of health sector funds, despite government commitments to achieve universal health coverage by 2032.