Overcome challenges to keep progressing in health sector: Henry B Perry tells event in Dhaka

Bangladesh's success in the health sector over the last 50 years is commendable, but the country has to overcome several challenges to continue making progress.

Henry B Perry, senior associate of international health division at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, yesterday said Bangladesh must undertake at least eight tough tasks.

Addressing a book unveiling event in Dhaka, he recommended increasing financial allocation, building a strong primary healthcare system, making the community healthcare providers proper professional individuals, decentralising the finances, strengthening the primary health care sector, and introducing health insurance to tackle catastrophic health expenses.

Innovative thinking, research and civic surveillance are also important, he told the event where a book titled "50 years of Bangladesh: advances in health" was published by Bangladesh Health Watch.

A total of 101 local and foreign health experts, academicians and journalists authored the book.

Speaking as the chief guest, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said the country's success in the health sector was a result of consistent efforts.

Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde said Bangladesh achieved success in the health sector in 50 years while it took Sweden 100 years.

Public health expert Khairul Islam highlighted the contribution of Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury to Bangladesh's health sector.

Mostaque Reza Chowdhury, convenor of Bangladesh Health Watch; Tahmeed Ahmed, executive director of icddr,b; Halida Hanum, women's health specialist; and Engineer Hamidul Islam spoke at the event.