Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has signalled major reforms in the country's healthcare sector, with a focus on improving service quality and reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
Speaking during his budget speech on Thursday, the finance minister said: “Despite substantial spending in the health sector over the years, the quality of services has not improved as expected. As a result, many patients are compelled to seek treatment abroad, leading to a significant outflow of foreign currency.”
He said the government is now prioritizing improvements in healthcare services through the development of modern medical facilities, enhanced treatment standards, and measures aimed at reducing healthcare costs for ordinary citizens.
According to the finance minister, strengthening the domestic healthcare system will help curb medical tourism and reduce the country's foreign exchange expenditure on overseas treatment.
Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury unveiled the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year in parliament on Thursday.
The proposed budget, the first under the current government, has an outlay of Tk938,000 crore.