Key Stakeholder Message: Dr. Dewan Md. Emdadul Haque
Dr. Dewan Md. Emdadul Haque, Health Manager, UNICEF Bangladesh Reflecting on the recent knowledge-sharing dialogue, I am encouraged by the depth of engagement and the shared recognition among stakeholders that Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) are essential to the future of urban health systems in Bangladesh. The discussion clearly highlighted that as urbanization accelerates, our traditional approaches to health service delivery must evolve to meet increasingly complex and diverse needs.
From my experience working within the development sector, one of the most critical insights is that PPPs are not simply about sharing responsibilities, they are about creating synergy. When effectively designed, these partnerships can leverage the strengths of each sector: the public sector’s mandate and reach, the private sector’s efficiency and innovation, and the community sector’s trust and grassroots engagement. However, realizing this synergy requires deliberate planning, strong governance, and a shared commitment to equity. A recurring theme in our discussions was the need to strengthen governance and regulatory frameworks. While promising PPP models already exist in Bangladesh, many remain limited in scale and sustainability due to gaps in oversight, accountability, and financial planning. It is essential that we move toward standardized contracting mechanisms, performance-based financing, and robust monitoring systems to ensure that partnerships deliver quality services and value for money. Equally important is the need to address the balance between cost and quality. As private sector engagement increases, there is a risk that healthcare services may become less affordable for vulnerable populations. PPPs must therefore be designed with safeguards to ensure affordability, including strategic purchasing, targeted subsidies, and pro-poor financing mechanisms. Equity should not be an outcome we hope for it must be a principle embedded in every stage of planning and implementation.
Another critical area for future focus is the integration of digital health and data systems. Strengthening the digital backbone of the health system will enable better coordination, transparency, and real-time decision-making. It will also allow for more effective monitoring of service delivery and outcomes, which is essential for scaling successful PPP models and ensuring accountability. The discussions also underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration. Urban health challenges cannot be addressed in isolation; they are closely linked to broader determinants such as environment, infrastructure, and social conditions. Strengthening partnerships across sectors including local government, education, and urban development will be key to creating a more holistic and resilient health system.
Finally, I would like to emphasize the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration. Platforms such as this seminar play a vital role in bringing together diverse stakeholders to share experiences, identify challenges, and co-create solutions. As we move forward, it is essential that we continue these conversations and translate them into concrete actions and policy reforms. There is a strong foundation to build upon, and with coordinated efforts, strategic investment, and a shared vision, I am confident that Bangladesh can develop an urban health system that is not only efficient and innovative, but also inclusive and equitable for all.
