The July uprising has sparked new hope for positive changes in Bangladesh. However, health sector reforms have received less attention, especially from key stakeholders. 

Here, I will address some key issues that need to be prioritised for effective health sector reform in Bangladesh.

Declare health as a constitutional right

Health is the foundation of all other human rights. It is, therefore, important to declare health and medical care as a fundamental right of citizens in the Constitution and enforce this constitutional right through law. 

Health is not explicitly mentioned as a fundamental human right in the 1972 Constitution of Bangladesh. The Constitution recognises medical care as a basic necessity of life and asserts that it is the state's responsibility to secure "the provision of the basic necessities of life, including food, clothing, shelter, education, and medical care".