Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities concerned to launch a pilot project for developing a National e-Health Platform aimed at bringing Bangladesh’s healthcare services under an integrated digital framework.
He gave the directive at a meeting on an integrated information technology-based system for the health sector at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon.
The meeting discussed the proposed structure, operational mechanism and potential applications of the platform.
Initially, the government will assess the platform’s effectiveness, feasibility, potential challenges and costs through a pilot project in several districts. Based on the findings, the platform will gradually be expanded nationwide.
The Prime Minister stressed the effective use of information technology to make healthcare services more accessible, convenient and people-oriented.
He also emphasised the secure storage of patients’ essential health information so that authorised doctors and healthcare institutions can access relevant information when needed.
At the same time, Tarique Rahman stressed the importance of data security and individual privacy, saying the platform should be user-friendly, cost-effective and sustainable in the long term.
He instructed the authorities to properly evaluate the pilot project’s outcomes before proceeding with nationwide implementation.
Engineer Zakaria Swapan presented various aspects of the proposed National e-Health Platform at the meeting.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, State Minister Dr M A Muhit, Special Assistants to the Prime Minister Dr S M Ziauddin Hyder and Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Health Services Division Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury, ICT Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan and senior officials from relevant ministries, departments and agencies attended the meeting.
