National Health Alliance launched with NCP backing

A new doctors' organisation has been launched alongside existing bodies such as the Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad (Swachip), Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (DAB), and National Doctors' Forum (NDF). The newly formed platform, backed by the National Citizen Party (NCP), is named the National Health Alliance (NHA).

The organisation was formally launched on Wednesday (12 November) at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium in the capital's Segunbagicha area.

At the event, NCP chief organiser for Southern Region Hasnat Abdullah announced a 142-member convening committee. Senior leaders of NCP, as well as representatives from DAB, NDF, the Nurses Association, and other health sector organisations, were present.

"Being an NHA doctor will not guarantee postings, promotions, or benefits. Everything will be based on merit and qualification. We are committed to ensuring justice for both doctors and patients," Hasnat said.

NCP Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara said the health sector requires fundamental reforms. "We must consider not only the service providers but also the patients."

"After the post–mass uprising period, many changes are needed, and we hope the National Health Alliance will ensure these. We want to end the reality where access to healthcare depends on political identity, as we saw during the days of July," she added.

The convening committee's chief, pediatric specialist Professor Dr Mohammed Shadrul Alam, said, "Our health system is fragile. We want to elevate it to an internationally comparable standard. We seek to build a healthcare system that is transparent, democratic, and based on justice."

Key positions in the committee include:

Convener: Professor Dr Shadrul Alam

Member Secretary: Dr Abdul Ahad

Chief Organiser: Dr Yusuf Jamil Tihan

Chief Secretary: Dr Humayun Kabir Himu