5pc of GDP to be allocated to health sector: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that the government plans to allocate five per cent of the country’s GDP to the health sector in phases, aiming to build a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system for all citizens.

In a message marking the eve of World Health Day 2026, the Prime Minister outlined a series of initiatives focused on expanding preventive healthcare and improving the quality of medical services across both urban and rural areas. Special emphasis will be placed on maternal and child healthcare.

As part of the plan, around 1 lakh healthcare workers will be recruited in stages, with women expected to make up 80 per cent of the workforce. The government also intends to introduce e-health cards for every citizen and strengthen treatment systems for chronic and complex diseases through public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives.

The Prime Minister highlighted reforms that will be undertaken to enhance service quality, keep treatment costs within reach, and gradually introduce a comprehensive health insurance system. Efforts will also focus on improving medical education, boosting research and establishing fair legal frameworks for both healthcare providers and patients.

Referring to this year’s theme, “Together for Health, Stand with Science,” he stressed the importance of the ‘One Health’ concept, which recognises the interconnection between humans, animals and the environment.

He noted that ensuring overall well-being requires coordinated efforts across medical, agricultural, veterinary and environmental sciences.

The Prime Minister also underscored the growing role of technology in healthcare, encouraging the use of innovations such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Reaffirming the principle that prevention is better than cure, he said the government remains committed to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for all, adding that healthcare should be recognised as a fundamental right, not a privilege.

It is to be noted that the World Health Day 2026 will be observed on Tuesday in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world.