The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), Government of Bangladesh currently operates through two distinct divisions - Health Service Division and Medical Education and Family Welfare Division—each overseeing complementary but interdependent areas of health service delivery, medical education, and family welfare. Over time, this bifurcation has contributed to overlaps, inefficiencies, and fragmented coordination across the health system.
As part of the ongoing health sector reform efforts, the Government of Bangladesh aims to establish a unified and integrated health administration structure that promotes coherence between service delivery, public health, and medical education. The Health Sector Reform Commission Report 2025 recommended structural integration and the creation of new directorates to ensure strategic focus and operational effectiveness in priority areas.
The Ministry seeks the technical and strategic partnership of the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the implementation of these reform initiatives. WHO will provide technical assistance, policy advice, and coordination support to ensure that the reform measures are effectively implemented and aligned with global best practices in health system strengthening.
This assignment seeks to develop a restructuring framework that aligns with the Government’s broader reform goals and the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The purpose of this assignment is to review and revise the existing structure of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) with a view to improving coordination, efficiency, and accountability through the integration of the Health Service Division (HSD) and the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division (ME and FPD). The consultant will also develop the concept and framework for the establishment of new directorates for Public Health and Primary Health Care, Medical Education and Research, and Clinical Services in alignment with the recommendations of the Health Sector Reform Commission Report 2025 and the national health reform agenda including the rules of business.
Objectives of the Assignment
Review the current organizational structure, mandates, and operational frameworks of HSD and MoME &FW.
Identify overlaps, gaps, and areas for integration to improve efficiency and accountability.
Develop the conceptual and functional framework for an integrated MoHFW structure.
Propose the establishment of new directorates for Public Health and Primary Health Care, Medical Education and Research, and Clinical Services.
Prepare draft Rules of Business, organizational charts, and operational guidelines for the restructured ministry.
Scope, Responsibilities, and Methodology
Review and analyze the existing organizational setup, mandates, and coordination mechanisms of HSD and MEFWD.
Assess overlaps, gaps, and functional relationships between divisions, directorates, and subordinate institutions.
Develop the concept and framework for the revised structure of health administration through integration of the two divisions, ensuring alignment with national reform priorities.
Propose the establishment of new directorates for:
Public Health and Primary Health Care
Medical Education and Research
Clinical Services
Define mandates, functions, reporting lines, and resource requirements for each new directorate.
Draft Rules of Business, organizational charts, and operational guidelines to support implementation of the new structure.
Facilitate consultations and validation workshops with MoHFW leadership, DGHS, DGME, and development partners.
Prepare a phased implementation plan including change management, capacity development, and monitoring arrangements.
Expected Deliverables:
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Deliverables
Description
1
Situational Analysis and Institutional Review – Conduct desk review, data collection, and institutional assessment of existing MoHFW structures, divisions, and directorates to identify overlaps, functional gaps, and reform opportunities.
Situation Analysis and Institutional Review Report – Comprehensive review of current MoHFW organizational setup, mandates, and coordination mechanisms with analysis of strengths, weaknesses, and reform needs.
2
Design of Integrated MoHFW Structure – Develop a draft proposal for an integrated and streamlined MoHFW structure aligning Health Services Division (HSD) and Medical Education & Family Welfare Division (ME&FWD) functions.
Comprehensive Proposal for Integrated MoHFW Structure and New Directorates – Including conceptual framework, governance model, and coordination mechanisms.
3
Development of Directorate Mandates and Organizational Frameworks – Define roles, responsibilities, and reporting structures for proposed new directorates (Public Health & Primary Health Care; Medical Education & Research; Clinical Services).
Defined Mandates and Organizational Frameworks for New Directorates – Detailed ToRs, functional linkages, and proposed staffing structures.
4
Preparation of Final Restructuring Framework and Transition Plan – Finalize a consolidated framework including Rules of Business, operational guidelines, and a phased implementation and resource plan for institutional transition.
Final Restructuring Framework – Comprehensive document integrating Rules of Business, operational guidelines, implementation roadmap, and resource mobilization plan.
5
Consultation, Validation, and Presentation – Conduct high-level consultations and a validation workshop with WHO, MoHFW, DGHS, DGME, DGFP, WHO, UNOPS, and other key stakeholders to present the final framework and agree on the implementation roadmap.
Technical Presentation / Workshop Materials – Presentation slides, consultation summary, and validated roadmap endorsed by stakeholders.
6
Final Submission and Handover – Submit the consolidated final report and all annexes, datasets, and technical documentation to MoHFW and UNOPS.
Final Consolidated Report – Complete set of endorsed deliverables formally submitted and accepted.
