NGOs play a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s pluralistic healthcare system, delivering essential services, raising awareness, and advocating for policy reforms. However, financial sustainability and integration challenges continue to hinder their effectiveness, raising concerns about duplication of efforts and short-term project-based approaches without lasting impact.

Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) and the UHC Forum, with support from UNICEF, brought together key stakeholders on 12 March 2025 at the CIRDAP Auditorium for a Health Debate focused on the contributions of NGOs and future pathways to strengthen their role in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

At the discussion, PPRC Executive Chairman Hossain Zillur Rahman emphasised the need for better government-NGO coordination, improved financial governance, and strategic policy engagement to strenghthen healthcare system. “We must integrate services from government, private sector, and NGOs,” he said. “Defining clear roles and creating parallel structures for underserved areas is essential.” He acknowledged that foreign donor dependence won’t end soon, urging NGOs to focus on maximising local resources.

The debate explored govt-financing for NGOs. “There are many activities the government won’t directly implement, but can utilise NGO structures and personnel,” said Zillur. While external funding cuts pose challenges, speakers stressed the need for NGOs to reassess their contributions to emerging health challenges in post-uprising Bangladesh.

Key participants in the debate included:

• Mohammad Abdul Wazed from PPRC
• Goutum Banik from Save the Children International
• Md Rezaul Hasan from City Special Branch
• Mir Masud Rahman from Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP)
• Dr M A Faiz, former DG of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)
• Mohammad Khairul Hasan from UNICEF
• Nabinur Rahman from Concern Worldwide
• Sohana Shafique from icddr,b
• Dr Rezaul Haque from Gonoshasthaya Kendra
• Kazi Morshed Alam from ActionAid Bangladesh
• Saiha Marjia from BRAC
• Dr Md Aminul Hasan from UHC Forum
• Md Jafar Uddin from BRAC
• Aeroangajeb Al Hossain from WaterAid Bangladesh

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