Entrepreneurs and experts emphasized timely policies and simplified licensing processes for the sustainable development of the country's healthcare, medical equipment, pharmaceutical, and API industries.

These views were expressed at a seminar titled "Private Sector Participation in Healthcare Sector Development: Opportunities and Challenges" organized by FBCCI in Dhaka on November 25, 2025.

MR. Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, the Administrator of FBCCI, presided over the program.

Mr. Md. Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Health Services Division), graced the event as the chief guest.

Dr. Syed Abdul Hamid, Professor of the Institute of Health Economics, Dhaka University, presented a comprehensive keynote paper, addressing that Bangladesh is still lagging behind in the API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) industry, which is a big threat to the domestic pharmaceutical industry. The complicated licensing process is hampering the progress of the industry, he mentioned.

Major General (Retd) Md. Mostafizur Rahman, CEO of the Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industry Association, said that an entrepreneur has to obtain licenses from 47 agencies to set up an API industry, which is one of the reasons for discouraging investment.

Mr. Md. Abdur Razzaque, Managing Director of JMI Group, echoed a modern policy framework for advancing the API and Medical Equipment industry in Bangladesh.

Mr. Md. Akramul Islam, Senior Director of BRAC Health Programme, reiterated the urgency of simplifying the licensing process. Mr. Md. Ashraf Hossain, Director of the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), assured that the DGDA is committed to simplifying the process gradually. Some delays may occur due to the feasibility assessment, not intentional, he stated.

In his remarks, Mr. Md. Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Health Services Division), informed that initiatives have already been taken to make the licensing process easier. The issue of extending the license period to at least three years is under consideration.
He also mentioned the government’s strict monitoring to ensure compliance in the healthcare sector. He called for urgent coordination between the government, the private sector, and academia.

Mr. Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, the administrator of FBCCI, delivered the welcome speech, asserting that ensuring healthcare for all citizens is a state responsibility. He called for continued efforts to ensure quality healthcare while keeping treatment costs within the patients' affordability.

Earlier, Mr. Md. Alamgir, the secretary general of FBCCI, acknowledged the significant contributions of both the government and the private sector to healthcare development since independence. However, he noted that the current government allocation to the healthcare sector is negligible. He called for increased budget allocation to enhance the quality of healthcare, along with an increase in the number of hospitals, skilled doctors, and nurses.

The seminar was also enriched by the insightful remarks of FBCCI’s former directors, general body members, and business leaders.