PM Vows to Decentralize Healthcare, Pledges 5% of GDP to Health Sector

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday declared that his government is firmly committed to improving and decentralizing healthcare to ensure advanced services reach the upazila level. 

Addressing the ‘Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers’ Conference-2026’ at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium this morning, the Prime Minister noted that specialist doctors and labs are currently mostly Dhaka-centric. 

“Coming out of this reality, the government is working to ensure advanced medical services through district and upazila-based hospitals,” he said, adding that “Eliminating the disparity between urban and rural healthcare and decentralizing services is one of the top priorities of the current government. Although this cannot be implemented in a month or a year, the government is progressing step by step towards achieving this goal.”

The Health Services Division organized the conference to modernize field-level activities and provide directional instructions to officials. 

Highlighting the nobility of the medical profession, Tarique Rahman told the gathered doctors, “Physicians are the closest friends of people suffering from illness and true companions in times of crisis. In many cases, a doctor's advice and sincere behavior play a more effective role than medicine.” 

He emphasized that alongside professional excellence, it is vital for doctors to grow as humane individuals. 

Detailing his vision for a ‘Healthy Bangladesh,’ the Premier explained that the government’s policy is ‘Prevention is better than cure,’ stating, “If we can take preventive measures at the early stage of a disease, it is possible to control its spread. The role of Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers is undeniable in implementing this policy.”

The Prime Minister pointed out that 71 percent of total deaths in the country result from non-communicable diseases, exacerbated by environmental disasters and climate change. 

“For these reasons, regular screening of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure at the upazila level is necessary. It is essential to create awareness among people about changing lifestyles,” he added. 

Recognizing Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers (UHFPOs) as the “main driving force” and “frontline fighters,” he noted that they must balance both healthcare and administrative management to gain desired outcomes. 

He also announced a plan to gradually allocate five percent of GDP to the health sector, quoting nutritionist Jack LaLanne: “Today's healthcare is tomorrow's investment.”

To revolutionize primary care, the PM revealed plans to establish healthcare units in each upazila and union following the UK’s NHS General Practitioner model, supported by the phased recruitment of 1 lakh ‘health carers,’ 80 percent of whom will be women. 

On maternal and child health, he stressed, “All upazila health complexes must be turned into safe places for full maternity care, safe childbirth, newborn and child healthcare.” 

He strongly criticized the previous administrations for failing to vaccinate children against measles, calling it an “unforgivable crime” and a “life-threatening failure,” while thanking current health workers for their emergency initiatives that prevented further deterioration.

Looking forward, the Prime Minister announced the upcoming launch of an integrated e-health card for digital storage of citizen health data and a planned national health insurance system to prevent financial hardship due to medical costs. 

He assured the medical community that the government is sincere in ensuring the housing, security, and dignity of doctors and health professionals. 

During the event, which was also attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain and State Minister Dr. MA Muhit, the Prime Minister handed over crests to six doctors nominated under the emergency service category.