Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced in Parliament on June 11, 2026, that the government has proposed several tax and VAT exemptions in the health sector to reduce treatment costs for citizens. The proposal includes the withdrawal of a 10% VAT at the supplier level on imported heart stents, which could lower the price of each stent by up to 20,000 taka. VAT and advance tax on dialysis filters and intraocular lenses have also been lifted, potentially reducing dialysis costs by 800 taka per patient and lens prices by 5,000 taka.

The minister said the move aims to make healthcare more affordable, as out-of-pocket expenses in Bangladesh remain high compared to other countries. He outlined broader health policy goals, including universal and equitable healthcare, expansion of rural services, and strengthening of maternal, child, and nutrition programs. The government plans to gradually raise public health investment to 5% of GDP.

Future initiatives include establishing modern primary healthcare units in every union and urban ward, creating a national ambulance network, and developing a sustainable national drug and vaccine supply system.