|| Online Desk: State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit on Monday encouraged US companies to pursue sustainable partnerships beyond equipment sales, emphasizing lifecycle costs, after-sales support, technology transfer, local manufacturing and assembly, and specialised training for Bangladeshi engineers and healthcare professionals, including those from BUET and the University of Dhaka.Speaking as the chief guest at a roundtable discussion, he outlined the government’s priorities of strengthening primary healthcare, disease prevention, and decentralizing specialized services to divisional and district levels.Highlighting the record health budget of approximately Tk 70,000 crore and recent tax measures, he acknowledged regulatory registration delays and reaffirmed efforts to expedite approvals. The Sate Minister also highlighted plans for a national e-health and digital monitoring dashboard to optimize medical equipment utilization, alongside innovative financing and transparent procurement. Underscoring inclusive healthcare, he urged multinational companies to leverage CSR initiatives to support underserved communities, particularly children with disabilities. American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) President Syed Mohammad Kamal on Monday reaffirmed AmCham’s commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-US economic ties, highlighting over US$5 billion in existing investments by member companies and a commitment to facilitate another US$5 billion over the next five years.Speaking at a dialogue, he emphasised the potential of healthcare and medical technology to advance this ambition through innovation, capacity building, and improved patient care. The AmCham hosted the event on “Unlocking the Potential of Medical Technology to Improve Patient Outcomes in Bangladesh.” The session brought together senior government officials, the U.S. Embassy, and business leaders of AmCham’s medical technology member companies to discuss a dedicated regulatory framework for medical devices and equipment.At the roundtable, AmCham presented five key policy recommendations for the government’s consideration, aimed at fostering a more transparent, predictable, and enabling regulatory environment for medical technology. These included distinct DGDA guidelines for medical devices, streamlined registration with defined timelines and parallel dossier reviews, predictable MRP approvals consistent with the markup guideline and 7.5% VAT, rationalization of duties and taxes on medical devices and spare parts, and simplified provisions for equipment re-export for repairs and spare parts importation. As a longer-term initiative, AmCham proposed a collaborative workshop with the DGDA, American and European medical technology companies, and relevant stakeholders to explore a dedicated regulatory framework aligned with international standards and best practices. Director General (Additional Secretary), DGDA Md. Alamgir Hossain shared the Directorate’s regulatory priorities and reform initiatives for the medical technology sector. He highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline registration procedures and facilitate the resumption of inspections by international regulators, while underscoring the importance of timely, transparent, and predictable regulatory approvals.Former Chairman and CEO of Medtronic plc and former Chairman of Intel Corporation Dr Omar Ishrak shared his global perspective on the evolving medical technology landscape, highlighting emerging innovations and the opportunities for Bangladesh to harness technological advancements to strengthen its healthcare system, expand access to quality care, and improve patient outcomes. Senior representatives of AmCham’s medical technology member companies also shared industry perspectives, including Mayank Tripathi, Country Director, Medtronic Bangladesh; Mirza Shajib Raihan, Business Leader-Bangladesh, Becton Dickinson; and Muhammad Asaduzzaman (Romel), Country Head and Director, GE HealthCare Bangladesh. Paul Frost, Commercial Counselor at the US Embassy in Dhaka, along with other US Embassy officials, also participated in the discussion. Welcoming the Government’s constructive approach to dialogue, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) to promote a transparent, predictable, and enabling regulatory environment for medical technology in Bangladesh.The roundtable was moderated by Chowdhury Kaiser Mohammad Riyadh, Executive Director of AmCham Bangladesh, while Al-Mamun M. Rashel, Country Manager & Managing Director, NATCO Bangladesh, delivered the vote of thanks. The event was supported by Medtronic Bangladesh.