BNP unveils 3-phase health reform plan, proposes 5% GDP allocation 

The BNP has unveiled a three-phase health sector reform plan, proposing a minimum allocation of 5% of the country's GDP to improve healthcare services.

The plan, which includes short-, medium-, and long-term strategies, aims to establish a universal healthcare system, enhance primary and preventive care, and develop internationally competitive medical infrastructure.

BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain unveiled the proposal today (4 February) at a press conference at the party chairperson's Gulshan office in the capital.

Khandaker Mosharraf said if the BNP comes to power, necessary steps would be taken to ensure the highest level of healthcare for all, following the model of the UK's National Health Service (NHS) or similar universal healthcare systems. 

He added that the health sector's budget allocation will be no less than 5% of the GDP.

"To strengthen primary and preventive healthcare, a well-trained workforce of male and female health professionals will be deployed, while ensuring advanced treatment, education, and research on both communicable and non-communicable diseases."

At the event, Khandaker Mosharraf outlined short-term (1-3 years), medium-term (1-5 years), and long-term proposals for the development of the health sector.

Short-term 

In the short term, the BNP plans to develop Union Sub-Centres with a focus on preventive health measures and the employment of sufficient rural health assistants. 

The party also aims to improve service quality at Upazila Health Complexes, transforming them into effective primary referral centres, ensuring specialised services, nutritionists, and planned family and population management.

Additionally, the BNP proposes introducing a phased system where each citizen will receive the best healthcare under a government-registered general physician (GP) at the state's expense.

The plan includes strengthening second-tier (district and general) hospitals and third-tier specialised healthcare services, implementing a proper referral system, and ensuring 24-hour helplines, emergency services, post-accident care, and swift patient transfer systems.

Finally, the BNP advocates for the establishment of just and equitable laws to ensure fairness for both patients and service providers in the healthcare sector

Medium-term 

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

Long-term 

The long-term plan focuses on ensuring regionally and internationally competitive healthcare services, establishing a health education and research system that meets international demand and building internationally-standard healthcare infrastructure suitable for health tourism.

Mosharraf stated that the country needs to progress with long-term and medium-term plans to reform the health sector. 

He added that the interim government will take initial steps based on necessity. 

The trend of patients seeking treatment abroad decreased significantly between 2001 and 2006, he noted.