The government on Monday formed a Health Sector Reform Commission, appointing Professor AK Azad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Diabetic Association (BADAS), as its chair.
The commission has been tasked with proposing necessary reforms to make healthcare more accessible and universal. Its scope of work has also been defined.
The other members of the commission include Professor Dr. Mohammad Zakir Hossain of the Public Health and Health Informatics Department at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University; Pathikrit Foundation Chairman Professor Liaquat Ali; gynecologist Professor Dr. Sayeba Akhter; pediatric neurologist Professor Dr. Naila Zaman Khan; former secretary ML Reza; former regional adviser to the World Health Organization Professor Dr. Mozaherul Haque; Dr. Azharul Islam of icddr,b; Professor Dr. Syed Mohammad Akram Hossain of Square Cancer Center at Square Hospital; Professor Dr. Syed Atiqul Haq of Green Life Centre for Rheumatic Care and Research; Dr. Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman, scientist in the Maternal and Child Health Division at icddr,b; and Umayer Afif, a fifth-year medical student at Dhaka Medical College.
According to the terms of reference, the commission will begin its activities immediately and, after considering all relevant opinions, submit its report to the Chief Advisor of the government within 90 days.