I interviewed my language’s partner’s dad about the health care situation in Bangladesh. Although he is not a medical doctor, he has a Phd in social health care and works in a hospital in Bangladesh. We first talked about the different types of health care available in villages. Basically there are aleopathic, homeopathic, and herbal remedies as well as witch doctors, but no real doctors. People can also to a pharmacy without a pharmacist to obtain generic medicine with the advice of the pharmacy workers. However if the medical situation deteriorates, the person is forced to leave the village and go to a city for real medical care.
He also commented that there are a few good government hospitals that exist (mainly in the capital Dhaka) that the poor can go to for about 20 cents. With 40% of the population below the poverty line, these establishments are absolutely crucial.
One of the most stunning facts he mentioned was that there were only 200 hundred ICU beds in the country. This means that with a population of 160 million even if one is rich, it may be impossible to get the treatment one needs.
We also discussed that fact that because there is no health insurance again it may be difficult for even rich people to pay for the treatment they need.
Lastly we talked about the process of becoming a doctor in Bangladesh. There are two different routes. 1) Get accepted by a government medical school. However there are only about 2000 seats in the country, so only the really brilliant people can go to these. 2) Go to a private medical school. These institutions are very expensive and low quality. Many rich families send their children to these school because there are a lot more seats, and the qualification for acceptance are not as rigorous with the exception of tuition.
I am very thankful that Mr. Islam was able to talk with me and give me this invaluable information.
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