Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday directed the authorities concerned to take steps for executing immediately the implementable recommendations of Health Sector Reform Commission.

The commission’s recommendations will play an important role in resolving the long-standing problems in the country's health sector, the Nobel Laureate said after receiving the commission’s report at the State Guest House Jamuna in the capital.

Terming the report a groundbreaking step, the chief adviser said, "The problems in the health sector are long-pending ones. If we can resolve these problems through this (report), it will be a groundbreaking incident."

Noting that the shortage of doctors is a big problem, he said that in some cases, even if there are doctors, none are found in times of need.

"This problem should be resolved permanently," he added.

Putting emphasis on decentralisation of the medical system, Prof Yunus said, "Without this, the problem cannot be solved. It must be ensured that doctors are staying in the stations where they are posted."

The members of the commission, led by its chief Professor AK Azad Khan, handed over the report to Prof Yunus at about 11am.

Commission members Prof Md Muhammad Zakir Hossain, Prof Dr Liaquat Ali, Prof Dr Sayera Akther, MM Reza, Dr Azharul Islam, Dr Syed Md Akram Hossain, Prof Dr Syed Atiqul Haque, Dr Ahmed Ahsanur Rahman and Omair Afif were also present.

The other two members of the commission are Prof Dr Naila Zaman Khan and Prof Dr Muzaherul Huq.