BUHN 6th Virtual Seminar on Urban Health in Bangladesh: Reflections on the Health Reform Commission Report
On June 25, 2025, the Bangladesh Urban Health Network (BUHN) hosted its 6th Bi-Weekly Knowledge Sharing Virtual Seminar titled “Urban Health in Bangladesh: Reflections on the Health Reform Commission Report.” Held via Zoom, the event convened national and international experts, government officials, researchers, and practitioners to critically review the 2025 Health Reform Commission Report submitted to the government on May 5. While the report outlines seven foundational pillars for health sector reform, the seminar highlighted concerns over its limited focus on urban health needs and the lack of clear strategies for implementation in rapidly urbanizing areas of Bangladesh.
The session was moderated by Maliha Khan Majlish, Project Associate at BUHN, and began with a welcome speech from Dr. Margub Aref Jahangir, Health Specialist (Urban) at UNICEF Bangladesh. Dr. Jahangir stressed the importance of unified health governance, equitable healthcare access, and the urgent need to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs for urban poor communities.
Dr. Md Saidur Rahman, Team Leader of the Aalo Clinics project at Partners in Health and Development (PHD), presented critical reflections on the Health Reform Commission Report. He pointed out that while the report includes comprehensive goals, it falls short in addressing urban-specific challenges. Dr. Rahman recommended a hybrid urban healthcare model that leverages both public and private sectors, extends service hours, and incorporates social determinants of health, such as housing and transportation. He also called for improved coordination between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Local Government to ensure the effective implementation of universal health coverage in urban areas.
A panel of esteemed experts further analyzed the report’s implications. Dr. Zahidul Quayyum, Professor and Director of Research at BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, emphasized the need for strategic purchasing and stronger regulatory frameworks to engage the private sector effectively. He advocated for decentralizing healthcare financing and delivery, while reinforcing the importance of addressing the broader social determinants that impact health outcomes. Dr. Halida Hanum Akhter, a member of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission 2025, focused on gender-sensitive urban health planning. She highlighted the lack of structured referral systems and the high rate of unnecessary cesarean sections in private facilities. Dr. Akhter urged the development of women-friendly health services that reduce financial burdens and ensure appropriate access to primary care. Prof. Syed Md. Akram Hussain, Senior Consultant in Oncology and Radiotherapy, highlighted the shortage of primary care physicians in urban settings. He emphasized early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as a priority for urban primary healthcare, warning that late-stage treatment not only burdens patients but also overstrains tertiary care systems.
During the open discussion and Q&A session, valuable insights emerged from both local and international participants. Sainath Banerjee from India’s Urban Plus Solution addressed the complexity of establishing ward-level urban health centers, citing the need for strong institutional arrangements, authority, and resource allocation. Dr. Fida Mehran, Health Systems Specialist at UNICEF Bangladesh, proposed forming a centralized urban health authority supported by district-level offices. She recommended a cohabitation model between the Ministry of Health and local government to ensure effective and responsive urban healthcare. Dr. Md. Shamim Hayder Talukder, BUHN Member Secretary and CEO of Eminence Associates for Social Development, highlighted the critical roles of community leaders, local government, and the private sector in urban health governance. He stressed that health reforms must be grounded in evidence, participatory planning, and a firm commitment to equity.
The seminar’s Chief Guest, Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Executive Chairman of the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC), emphasized that the Health Reform Commission’s recommendations should move beyond policy documents into actionable steps. He encouraged ongoing public discourse, advocacy, and accountability to maintain momentum in urban health reform.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Md. Shamim Hayder Talukder, BUHN Member Secretary and CEO of Eminence Associates for Social Development, thanked all participants and urged the formulation of a detailed, equity-driven Urban Health Action Plan. He rephrases the need for multisectoral collaboration and evidence-based interventions to address the complex health needs of urban populations in Bangladesh.
The seminar concluded with a set of actionable recommendations. These included establishing a centralized urban health authority to improve coordination across sectors; developing an Urban Health Action Plan grounded in equity and evidence; and implementing a hybrid healthcare model combining hospital-based care, community outreach, and public-private partnerships with extended service hours. Other recommendations involved engaging the private sector through strategic purchasing and regulation; improving referral pathways; reducing out-of-pocket health costs; addressing the high rate of cesarean sections; increasing primary care physician availability; and enhancing early NCD detection. Furthermore, the seminar emphasized empowering local governments and community leaders in health governance to ensure accountability and sustainability.
Overall, the seminar reaffirmed the urgency of urban health reform in Bangladesh and called for inclusive, accountable, and coordinated efforts to improve health outcomes for urban populations. BUHN committed to continuing its advocacy and knowledge-sharing initiatives to support national progress toward universal health coverage in urban areas in Bangladesh.
