The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has introduced a draft proposal for “National Health Sector Reform,” aiming to gradually implement universal healthcare. 

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain unveiled the proposal at a press conference held at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Tuesday.

Based on the party’s 31-point healthcare agenda, the proposal outlines short-term (1-3 years), medium-term (1-5 years), and long-term strategies for reform.

Short-term goals (1-3 years)

The BNP’s short-term measures include:

• Strengthening union sub-centres and appointing more rural health assistants
• Upgrading upazila health complexes into effective primary referral centres
• Providing state-funded primary healthcare under government-registered general physicians (GPs)
• Enhancing district and Sadar hospitals and developing a proper referral system
• Introducing a 24-hour helpline for critical illnesses such as kidney disease, cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders
• Ensuring justice and equality in healthcare laws for patients and service providers
• Strengthening doctor-patient relationships through community engagement and transparency in media reporting

Medium-term goals (1-5 years)

Former health minister Khandaker Mosharraf said that the medium-term goal is to introduce health cards to facilitate state-funded medical benefits.

Long-term vision

The long-term plan focuses on:

• Enhancing regional and international competitiveness in healthcare
• Strengthening medical education and research to meet global standards
• Developing world-class medical infrastructure to support health tourism
• Allegations of corruption in the health sector

During the press conference, Khandaker Mosharraf criticized the previous government’s handling of the health sector over the past 15 years, citing allegations of corruption, irregularities, and partisanship.

The draft states that previous Awami League-led governments caused financial losses in the health sector through corruption in recruitment, promotions, and administrative decisions.

It also claims that partisanship has damaged health sector professionalism, weakened doctor-patient relationships, and forced people into costly private healthcare.

Khandaker Mosharraf called for an independent investigation into corruption in the sector and punishment for those responsible.

BNP’s stance on health sector reform

While welcoming the interim government’s initiative to reform the health sector, Mosharraf expressed doubts about its ability to implement real changes.

"We are presenting this proposal to the nation. If the interim government accepts it, the next elected government will implement it. And if the people elect BNP, we will work to fulfil these reforms," he said.

Highlighting the importance of continuous policy evaluation, Mosharraf added: "Reform is an ongoing process. BNP is committed to implementing healthcare reforms in phases, ensuring public welfare."

He also paid tribute to those killed in the July-August movement and demanded proper treatment for the injured.