The Stand the Clock for Universal Health Coverage campaign took place in Dhaka and at all 8 divisional cities in the country as a joint initiative of SERAC-Bangladesh, Universal Health Coverage Coalition, Bangladesh Youth Health Action Network, Right Here Right Now Bangladesh, and many other local NGOs, Universities, medical colleges on December 12, 2017.
The campaign was joined by a number of health experts, academic, and young leaders selected from all 8 divisional cities in the country through a simultaneous video conference.
The campaign was intended to raise voices and demands for access to affordable and quality healthcare for everyone and to recognize health as fundamental human rights in the Constitution of Bangladesh. The mass standing across cities took place sharp at 12:12 O’clock, at Shahbag, in front of National Museum in Dhaka, Khulna Medical College, Central Shaheed Minar in Sylhet, in front of the District Commissioner office in Barguna, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University in Mymensingh, Kadirgonj area in Rajshahi, Agrabad Talibia School in Chittagong, and DC Moar Bangabandhu Chattar in Rangpur.
The march started from Shahbag, in front of the National Museum and finished at Aparajeyo Bangla, and later a discussion meeting was held at Institute of Health Economics of the University of Dhaka. Dhaka campaign was led by SERAC-Bangladesh’s Executive Director S M Shaikat, Director of Institute of Health Economics Professor Dr. Abdul Hamid, Saeda Bilkis from RHRN, Jisan Mahmud from BYHAN while hundreds of youth joined them.
The event was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University and later a discussion meeting was held at the conference room of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University. Mymensingh campaign was led by SERAC-Bangladesh’s Divisional coordinator Mizanur Rahman Pavel and professor Dr. AHM Mostafizur Rahman, while hundreds of youth joined.
The march started from Central Shahid Minar, Sylhet and later a discussion meeting was held at Central Shahid Minar premises, Sylhet. Sylhet campaign was led by SERAC-Bangladesh’s Divisional coordinator Tauhidur Rahman Rana while hundreds of youth representative joined.
The march started at Khulna Medical College, Khulna and later a discussion meeting was held at the conference room of the college. The campaign was led by SERAC-Bangladesh’s Divisional Coordinator Palash Mahmud and presided by Professor Dr. Md.Abdul Ahad, Principal and Dr. Md. Mehedi Newaz, Vice- Principal of Khulna Medical College, while hundreds of youth joined them.
The march started from Agrabad Talibia School, Chittagong and later a discussion meeting was held at Agrabad Talibia School premises, Chittagong. Chittagong campaign was led by SERAC-Bangladesh’s Divisional coordinator Md. Siraj Uddin.
The UHC stand the clock happened at DC Moar Bangabandhu Chattar in Rangpur and it was led by SERAC-Bangladesh’s Rangpur Coordinator Pranay Krishna Ray. It was attended by Dr. Rasedul Islam Jewel, Director of Maa O Shishu Hospital, and a number of youth representatives from the division.
The stand the clock campaign was held at Kadirganj in Rajshahi, and later a discussion meeting took place at a local restaurant. The campaign was led by SERAC-Bangladesh’s divisional coordinator Tahmid Islam Anto, while hundreds of youth joined.
The campaign was held in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Barguna, and it was attended by the Deputy Commissioner Mokhlesur Rahman, ADC (General) Mr. Nuruzzaman, Civil Surgeon of Barguna Dr. Jasim Uddin Howlader, while it was moderated by Barisal coordinator Md. Hamim Hossain and attended by a large number of youth representatives.
This campaign was intended to focus on the meaningful participation of young people, ensuring health and well-being of young people in the country. As planned, this march brought together 600 young leaders from the 8 divisions, alongside health professionals, advocates, and experts on health rights, sexual and reproductive health of youth and adolescent s, government, policy and decision makers. Further, this campaign was also the launching event of the Bangladesh Youth Health Action Network (BYHAN).
