The interim government has set a reform agenda for itself. In early September, six commissions were established to address reforms in various cross-cutting areas, including the constitution, electoral system, judiciary, anti-corruption, public administration, and police. The heads and other members of each commission were also named. In mid-October, four more commissions on health, media, labour, and women were formed. The formation of these commissions has been widely welcomed, with expectations that they will lead to meaningful and lasting changes in their respective areas.

The interim government has recently completed 100 days. As expected, the demand for a “roadmap” for the transfer of power through parliamentary elections is gaining momentum. There is no concrete announcement from the government yet, but some have suggested that elections could possibly be held by December 2025. This leaves about 400 days from now. Within this short timeframe, only a few substantive reforms can be carried out. A myriad of reforms is needed, but which ones will be prioritised? In my opinion, the commissions should focus on areas that are impactful and can be meaningfully completed within the government’s tenure.

One important sector requiring urgent reform is health. Public health experts have been voicing their concerns and frustrations about the state of this sector. With the new opportunities created through the July movement, there is hope for significant changes in the health sector as well. I am confident that the relevant commission will thoroughly examine the issues paralysing this sector and propose impactful reforms. Below, I outline a few ideas which, if implemented, could help the country progress towards the national goal of universal health coverage (UHC).