Staff Reporter :
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is crucial to achieving health equity and safeguarding citizens’ rights in Bangladesh, health experts said at a webinar titled “Universal Health Protection in Bangladesh: Prospects and Actions,” organised by the ARK Foundation on Tuesday.
Speakers noted that despite progress in rural healthcare, Bangladesh continues to face mounting challenges due to rapid urbanisation, the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the increasing number of urban poor.
They also pointed out that Bangladesh ranks low on the global UHC service coverage index, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and greater investment in primary healthcare.
Dr Md Enamul Haque, Director General of the Health Economics Unit, attended the webinar as chief guest. Other panelists included Professor Jahangir Khan of the University of Gothenburg, Dr Md Aminul Hasan, CEO of Quality Care Concern, Advocate Syed Mahbubul Alam Tahin, Secretary of the Center for Law and Policy Affairs, and Professor Rumana Haque of the University of Dhaka.
Dr Enamul highlighted that 35 ministries have already signed a declaration to promote multisectoral collaboration for accelerating UHC implementation. The Health Reform Commission has also submitted 33 recommendations to strengthen UHC, he added.
“The government is committed to ensuring financial protection and equitable access to healthcare through essential policy and institutional reforms,” he said.
Professor Rumana emphasised that achieving UHC requires transforming the overall health system rather than taking isolated measures.
“Universal health coverage is not just about financing-it’s a comprehensive reform process. Strengthening primary healthcare, establishing an effective referral system, and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for essential medicines are critical steps,” she said.
She further identified key service delivery gaps, including overreliance on pharmacies for treatment, gender disparities, and obstacles faced by transgender individuals in accessing healthcare. “These areas require urgent improvement,” she added.
Advocate Mahbubul Alam underscored the importance of active civil society participation in health policymaking, citing tobacco control as a successful example of government-civil society collaboration.
Professor Jahangir Khan observed that although Bangladesh has a strong pool of skilled health professionals, the absence of decisive political leadership has hindered the translation of reform plans into tangible results.
Dr Aminul cautioned that poverty and inflation-exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war-have made achieving UHC by 2030 “extremely challenging.” He urged immediate investment in primary healthcare, workforce development, and digital health infrastructure.
More than 50 participants, including public health experts, tobacco control advocates, and media representatives, joined the event.
