আজকের Agenda, a series of policy conversations started by PPRC in 2020, is partnering with the newly launched UHC Forum—a coalition of multi-skilled professionals dedicated to advancing Universal Health Coverage— arranged an engaging and informative event on 11 June 2024 from 7:30-9:00 PM.
This episode of Ajker Agenda focuses on the implications of the health budget and its potential impact on our health sector. The esteemed panelists of this session are:
– Rumana Huque, Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka
– Syed Abdul Hamid, Professor, Institute of Health Economics, University of Dhaka
– A. M. M. Nasiruddin, Former Health Secretary
– Md Aminul Hasan, Health System and Quality Care Expert
The session is being moderated by Hossain Zillur Rahman, Executive Chairman, PPRC and Convener, UHC Forum.
The discussion provided a well-rounded analysis through diverse expert perspectives, identifying both positive initiatives and significant shortcomings. The experts covered various critical aspects, from budget allocation and utilization to specific program funding and policy implications, ensuring a holistic evaluation. Dr. Rumana Huque highlighted that the budget’s 8.8% nominal increase is effectively a decrease when adjusted for inflation. Dr. Syed Abdul Hamid criticized the budget for lacking plans to improve public health facility efficiency. AMM Nasiruddin raised concerns about the chronic underutilization of allocated funds due to management and procedural issues. Dr. Aminul Hasan pointed out the budget’s inadequacy relative to the population’s healthcare demands. Hossain Zillur Rahman stressed the need for significant investments in infrastructure, capacity building, and comprehensive healthcare programs. The panel included diverse voices from academia, former government officials, and healthcare professionals, lending credibility and depth to the analysis. The discussion came up with actionable recommendations, such as improving financial management training, decentralizing decision-making, and prioritizing infrastructure investment.
