Recommendation to include primary healthcare as basic right in constitution

Bangladesh’s Health Sector Reform Commission has put forward a groundbreaking proposal to recognize primary healthcare as a basic right under the constitution. The recommendation, part of a comprehensive report submitted to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday, aims to establish healthcare as a legal entitlement for all citizens.

Presented at the state guest house Jamuna, the report contains around 32 detailed recommendations. Chief among them is a constitutional amendment to embed access to free primary healthcare as a guaranteed right. The commission argues that such a step would not only formalize the state’s duty but also ensure enduring fairness and accountability in the health system.

To bring this vision into reality, the commission has suggested the enactment of a new law—titled the ‘Primary Healthcare Act’. This legislation would lay out both citizens’ entitlements and the government’s obligations, reinforcing access to essential healthcare services for all.

Beyond constitutional and legislative reforms, the commission calls for a complete overhaul of existing health-related laws. Several outdated acts need to be updated, and new ones introduced to address gaps in patient protection, emergency preparedness, healthcare financing, and regulatory accountability.

Among the proposed new laws are significant additions such as the Bangladesh Health Commission Act, Public Health and Infrastructure Act, Drug Pricing and Receipt Act, and the Health Protection Act. These are designed to strengthen institutional frameworks, regulate drug and medical device standards, and support long-term financing mechanisms in the health sector.

The commission also recommends amending current legislation including the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council Act, Nursing and Midwifery Council Act, Tobacco Control Act, and the Municipal and City Corporation Act. The goal is to modernize these laws in line with current health challenges and public expectations.

If adopted, these sweeping reforms could redefine the future of healthcare in Bangladesh, offering a rights-based approach that emphasizes universal access, quality, and equity.