Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) has condemned the widespread corruption in the healthcare sector during the previous Hasina administration, which they claim has led to significant suffering for millions of patients.

Despite high hopes for improved services from the interim government following the monsoon revolution, citizens continue to face inadequate care in both public and private hospitals.

The AB Party is urging the interim administration to take swift action to eradicate corruption at all levels of the healthcare system and ensure that medical services are accessible to everyone.

During a media briefing at the party's central office, Joint Convener Prof. Dr. Abdul Wahab Minar, a retired army major, criticized the previous government for exploiting the healthcare system for personal gain.

He highlighted the pervasive corruption affecting hospital administration and staff recruitment, which has stripped citizens of their rights. Dr. Minar noted that the authoritarian nature of the regime created an environment where opposing these illegal practices was nearly impossible.

Key reforms proposed by the AB Party include: 

1. Forming a National Health Service Commission to oversee healthcare reforms;

2. Drafting a National Health Protection Act to guarantee access to healthcare.

3. Prioritizing public health and primary care for the general population.

4. Improving medical education and research to meet international standards.

5. Providing fair allowances for postgraduate medical students and interns.

6. Implementing a referral system to improve patient care and streamline services.

Prof. Dr. Mozaherul Haque, a former advisor to the WHO’s Southeast Asia region, called on the government to make existing healthcare infrastructure, such as community clinics and district hospitals, fully operational.

Prof. Dr. Shaukat Arman from Gonoshasthaya Medical College Hospital emphasized the need to strictly enforce public smoking bans and suggested new strategies to modernize the healthcare system.

Asaduzzaman Fuaad, a barrister-at-law and Joint Member Secretary of the AB Party, advocated for radical reforms, including prohibiting public servants and office holders from seeking medical treatment abroad.

He argued that this is essential for building public trust in the healthcare system. Fuaad also highlighted the need to dismantle in-hospital syndicates to ensure professional services and stressed that fair compensation for interns and postgraduate doctors is vital for providing quality patient care.

The briefing was attended by several prominent doctors and AB Party leaders, all of whom reiterated the urgent need for measures to restore public confidence in the healthcare sector.

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