USAID Advancing Universal Health Coverage - AUHC

Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Change: Celebrating the Female Champions of Strong Leadership on Women's Day in Bangladesh's Surjer Hashi Network Clinics.

We shine a spotlight on the remarkable clinic managers who have defied societal norms, shattered barriers, and emerged as beacons of inspiration. These incredible women have not only excelled in their roles but have also paved the way for countless others to follow in their footsteps. With dedication, they have created an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers women to thrive.

Innovative strategies implemented by these local healthcare leaders have not only improved clinic performance but have also enhanced the overall experience for clients. The clinic managers' pursuit of excellence has redefined what it means to be a leader, breaking stereotypes and leaving an indelible mark on the healthcare industry.

Surjer Hashi Network (SHN) has undergone major transformations over the years regarding accessibility and efficiency. There are many notable highlights and major milestones that SHN has achieved while serving maternal and child healthcare in Bangladesh.

Expert panelists from private health networks spoke about the challenges of sustaining large-scale operations with pro-poor mandate. Industry specialists such as Shaila Purvin - CEO of Hashi Network, Moin Chowdhury - Managing Director of Grameen Kalyan, and Kishwar Imdad - Country Director of Marie Stopes shared the common threads in their accounts which helped outline an agenda for enhancing the private-sector role in the health sector. Dr. Syeda Naushin Parnini of the Health Economics Unit (MoHFW) touched upon the ministry's efforts to facilitate collaboration between the public and private sectors. The engaging and interactive session was moderated by Mohammad Asheque – Chief of Party, USAID's Advancing Universal Health Coverage (AUHC) activity.

For 25 years, the Surjer Hashi clinics have been powered by its people, especially the clinic staff and managers. At every instance, they go above and beyond to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that no client is turned away. Their resilience and dedication to serve every individual in the best possible way is truly inspiring. They are – as we like to say – the keepers of the smiling sun.

In Bangladesh, access to quality healthcare has long been a challenge, but with the support of USAID Bangladesh and the Government of Bangladesh, a transformation is underway. This is the story of USAID along with its Advancing Universal Health Coverage (AUHC) activity in Bangladesh, pioneering a nationwide healthcare social enterprise and revolutionizing the Surjer Hashi Network - SHN of clinics for the last 25 years across Bangladesh. This is a tribute to how a legacy of over two decades came to be.