Discussion Meeting on Access to Healthcare as a Fundamental Human Right

A webinar titled  “Access to Healthcare as a Fundamental Human Right” was held on April 9, 2025, at 4:00 PM via Zoom, jointly organized by the Center for Law and Policy Affairs (CLPA), the Public Health Lawyers Network, and the Health Movement. A total of 51 participants (34 men and 17 women), including public health experts, lawyers, academics, journalists, and citizen network members, attended the event. The discussion highlighted that nearly 70% of healthcare costs in Bangladesh are paid out-of-pocket, pushing many citizens into financial hardship. Speakers stressed the urgent need to recognize healthcare as a fundamental constitutional right and to increase public investment in the health sector. Key issues raised included corruption, lack of accountability, inadequate funding for primary and emergency care, and discrimination in women’s health services. The Chief Guest, Farida Akhtar, emphasized the right to health and healthy food, linking nutrition, agriculture, and public health. The webinar concluded with strong recommendations for constitutional reform, free and equitable healthcare, stronger governance, and rights-based participation to ensure universal health coverage by 2030.