Health Budget Dialogue Calls for Greater Investment and Research-Driven Policymaking

Speakers at a dialogue held at the University of Asia Pacific (UAP) have emphasized the need for increased investment in the health sector and evidence-based policymaking to address existing challenges and improve healthcare outcomes in Bangladesh.

The panel discussion, titled “Bangladesh Health Budget Dialogue: Priorities, Gaps and the Way Forward,” was organized by UAP’s Department of Business Administration on Thursday, June 4, at the university’s Board of Trustees (BoT) Conference Room.

While addressing the event as chief guest, Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, adviser on Finance Ministry and Planning Ministry affairs to the Prime Minister, said there is no alternative to increasing investment in healthcare for building a healthy and productive nation. He stressed the importance of effective budget management, research, and data-driven policymaking. He also called for the efficient use of public resources and the establishment of a fair and integrated healthcare system to ensure quality healthcare services for all citizens.

Special guest K. M. Mujibul Haque, Chairman of the UAP Board of Trustees, urged policymakers to place the health sector at the forefront of national development priorities. He highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among academia, government institutions, industry stakeholders, and development partners.

UAP Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan emphasized adequate financing for healthcare, better coordination among service providers, and the efficient utilization of allocated resources. He identified research-based policy formulation and continuous policy dialogue as key drivers for strengthening the country's healthcare system.

The keynote paper was presented by Dr. Rumana Huq, Professor of Economics at University of Dhaka. Her presentation examined the structure of healthcare financing, budget allocations, existing limitations, and the policy reforms needed to improve the quality and accessibility of health services.

The discussion featured contributions from several prominent academics and health experts, including Dr. Md. Selim Reza, Dr. Liaquat Ali, Dr. M. H. Chowdhury Lelin, Dr. Syed Abdul Hamid, Dr. Mohammad Shahriar, Dr. Shamsad Ahmed, and Dr. Nurul Amin Nahid.

The speakers collectively noted that sustainable development of the health sector requires greater use of research-based evidence, enhanced accountability, and stronger coordination among universities, research institutions, healthcare providers, and policymakers. They argued that combining academic research with practical field experience can make Bangladesh’s healthcare system more effective, inclusive, and citizen-friendly.

Teachers, researchers, students, development professionals, and stakeholders from various sectors attended the event.

/DBTech/SHP/MUIM/OR/