PM pledges 5pc GDP health allocation, urges doctors’ support for reforms

Outlining plans to raise health sector allocation to 5 per cent of GDP, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged grassroots-level physicians to take the lead in building an accessible, affordable, effective and humane healthcare system.

“You are the main drivers in turning our dream of a healthy nation into reality. Together, we want to build a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, effective and humane for everyone,” he said while addressing the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers (UHFPO) Conference-2026 at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, UNB reports.

The Prime Minister said he firmly believes physicians can help establish an accountable, sustainable and people-centred health service. “We expect each of you to turn your respective workplaces into model healthcare service centres in your areas,” he told the health officers.

The conference was organised by the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. More than 500 UHFPOs from across the country participated in the event, where the Prime Minister also handed over awards to the best-performing officers in six categories.

He said the proposals he outlined reflect the government’s manifesto, plans and overall vision for the health sector.

Tarique Rahman stressed that the government alone cannot achieve its goals and called for active cooperation from healthcare professionals. “We cannot do it alone. We need your support. Everyone must come forward,” he said.

He added that even small collective efforts can bring meaningful change. “I am not saying one person will do everything. But if we all contribute a little, change will surely come. If people in other countries can do it, we can do it too,” he said.

Urging doctors to stand by the people, he said, “As citizens of this country, I request you to support the government and ensure people receive at least basic healthcare services without difficulty.”

Reassuring health professionals, the Prime Minister said the government is committed to addressing challenges in the sector and improving the overall system.

He said the government plans to recruit 100,000 new health workers, 80 per cent of whom will be women.

He urged healthcare officials to work with dedication to strengthen public health services and ensure better care for citizens across the country.

Referring to his personal experience, the Prime Minister cited the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) to highlight the challenges of managing a universal healthcare system.

He noted that the NHS, established in 1948, has been serving the public for around 75 years in a country that is economically stronger and has a much smaller population than Bangladesh.

“Even then, the UK government often struggles to manage the system and ensure services for all, with frequent discussions on increasing budgets and support,” he said.

Drawing the comparison, he said it is natural for Bangladesh’s healthcare system to face challenges and acknowledged that grassroots doctors often encounter difficulties in delivering services.

The Prime Minister appreciated the participants for raising their concerns at the conference, calling it a constructive and necessary step.

He reminded doctors that they are part of the same society and understand ground realities.

Tarique Rahman said the government is working to ensure healthcare as a basic right, guided by the principle that prevention is better than cure.

He also pledged to improve the dignity, safety and living standards of healthcare workers.

The Prime Minister said steps will be taken to address structural and manpower shortages in the health sector and to modernise upazila health complexes with technology-based services.

He stressed the need to build a corruption-free and accountable healthcare system and called on officials to play an active role in local leadership, vaccination, maternal health and disease prevention.