Dhaka, May 05 (V7N) – The Health Sector Reform Commission has officially submitted its long-awaited report to interim government Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The report was handed over at the State Guest House Jamuna at 11:00 AM on Monday (May 5).

The information was confirmed by Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor.

Formed on November 17, 2024, the 12-member commission was chaired by National Professor AK Azad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Diabetic Association. The commission, comprising experts from various health and academic institutions, was tasked with recommending structural and policy reforms in Bangladesh’s health sector.

Key Recommendations of the Health Sector Reform Commission:

  1. Formation of Bangladesh Health Service:
    A separate, independent structure named 'Bangladesh Health Service' has been proposed to replace the current BCS (Health) cadre. This includes the formation of a distinct Public Service Commission (Health) and restructuring of health manpower.

  2. Career Planning and Promotions:
    Structured promotion pathways for officials in healthcare, education, and management have been recommended. The report also proposes the introduction of a 'Superior Executive Service' to be accessed through competitive exams.

  3. Separation of Health Education and Services:
    The commission suggests categorizing medical institutions into academic and service hospitals, each to be managed separately under their respective departments.

  4. Recruitment and Attendance:
    Recommendations include ensuring adequate recruitment before establishing new institutions and implementing digital attendance systems along with increased on-site monitoring.

  5. Budget Allocation and Curbing Broker Influence:
    A shift in budget allocation based on the number of treated patients instead of bed count has been proposed. The report also stresses strong action against broker activities in hospitals.

  6. Health Protection Act and Regulatory Authority:
    The formation of a 'Health Protection Act' and a regulatory authority to oversee healthcare standards, especially in laboratories, has been advised to balance the interests of doctors, workers, and patients.

  7. Establishing Physiotherapy Departments:
    The commission proposes the establishment of physiotherapy departments and posts in all medical college hospitals, specialized hospitals, IHTs, and district/upazila hospitals.

  8. Community Health Center Management:
    It recommends outsourcing the management of village-level community health centers to private organizations, with government funding under specific guidelines.

The commission, initially given a 90-day deadline, had its submission period extended twice, with the final deadline set for April 30.

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