Prime Minister Orders Pilot Project for National e-Health Platform

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to launch a pilot project for a "National e-Health Platform" aiming to bring the country's healthcare system under an integrated digital framework.

He gave the instructions at a meeting on IT-based health systems, held at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, chaired by the Prime Minister, said Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

The meeting reviewed the platform's proposed structure, how it would operate, and its potential uses in healthcare services. It will first be tested through a pilot project in several districts to assess effectiveness, costs, and challenges. Based on the results, the government will plan a gradual nationwide rollout.

The Prime Minister emphasized using information technology to make healthcare more accessible, convenient and beneficial for citizens. He stressed the need to securely store patients' health records while ensuring quick access for doctors and hospitals when required.

He also called for strong data security and privacy protections, and for the platform to remain user-friendly, cost-effective and sustainable long-term. Authorities were asked to carefully evaluate the pilot project's outcomes before expanding further.

Engineer Zakaria Swapan presented details of the proposed platform at the meeting.

Attendees included 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 related ministries and agencies.