The Health Sector Reform Commission (HSRC) has recommended ensuring a dignified and safe environment for children, adolescents, and women during natural disasters.
“A National Institute of Women’s Health must be established to ensure the overall health and well-being of women,” the HSRC stated in its recommendations.
The commission members submitted their report to the Chief Adviser Prof Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday.
According to the report, the proposed institute will function as a referral center for specialized services, while secondary and tertiary hospitals should be developed into centers for training and skill development of health workers focusing on women’s health.
“It will play a leading role in addressing neglected and complex issues related to women’s health and will help elevate women’s health to a national priority,” the report added.
The report includes 32 key recommendations for the short and medium term in the health sector.
The commission emphasized the importance of ensuring a respectful and supportive environment for children, adolescents, women, and pregnant women during climate-related and other natural disasters.
“Efforts must be made to ensure that healthcare institutions are disaster-resilient and friendly to women, children, adolescents, and the elderly,” the report said.
It also called for the establishment of an appropriate and respectful healthcare system for mothers, children, adolescents, and people with special needs.
The report stressed the need for developing sensitive, need-based service delivery systems for these populations so that they are not deprived of healthcare and their rights.
It further recommended encouraging the establishment of public and private non-profit institutions dedicated to women’s healthcare, with government support provided as needed.
Another key recommendation was to bring back healthcare professionals currently working abroad to help strengthen and develop the country’s health system.
Doctors, nurses, technicians, and other healthcare professionals working outside Bangladesh will be warmly invited to return and contribute their skills and experience to the national health system, the report said.
To facilitate this, the commission proposed formulating a special policy that would provide the necessary facilities and support to returning professionals.
The government formed the 12-member Health Sector Reform Commission in November 2024. The commission is chaired by Professor Dr AK Azad Khan, president of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh.