Proposal for 7 new health laws in health sector

The Chairman of the Health Sector Reform Commission, Professor AK Azad Khan, announced that the commission has recommended the creation of seven new laws, including the formation of an independent and permanent Bangladesh Health Commission.

He shared this information during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy auditorium on Monday, May 5.

Professor Azad Khan said that to ensure patient safety, adequate funding, accountability, and emergency preparedness, old health laws need to be reviewed and updated, and new laws must be introduced.

The proposed new laws are, Bangladesh Health Commission Act, Bangladesh Health Service Act, Primary Health Care Act, Health Protection Act, Drug Pricing and Access Act, Allied Health Professional Commission Act, Bangladesh Medical Research Commission Act

Other members of the commission present at the briefing included Professors Dr Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Dr Liaquat Ali, Dr Sayeba Akhter, former secretary SM Reza, Dr Azharul Islam Khan, Dr Syed Md Akram Hossain, Dr Syed Atikul Haque, Dr Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman, and medical student Umair Afif. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar from the Chief Adviser's Office also attended.

Earlier that day, the commission submitted its reform report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The Health Sector Reform Commission was formed on November 17, 2024, with Professor A.K. Azad Khan—President of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh—as its head and 11 other members.