Health is a fundamental human right and all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status, have the right to enjoy optimal health. This article emphasises on the issue of equity in health systems. It underlines the importance of a comprehensive multisectoral approach to improve the health system. Though Bangladesh has an adequate health infrastructure, a cause for concern is the uncontrolled growth in the private health sector. The challenge is to regulate the mushrooming private sector from exploitative cost of treatment. The aim is to ensure that the disadvantaged and vulnerable population have better access to basic healthcare without the current back-breaking cost.

The government needs strengthen the Primary Health Care (PHC) system in partnership with the NGO sector. The NGOs lead the way in community-based initiatives and outreach at the grassroots. Utilising the private sector is also a priority but needs coordination and regulation. At the macroeconomic level, initiatives need to be undertaken that nudge the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) towards reform and the adoption of new evidence-based practices that strengthen the health information system.