Providing basic medical care in rural areas in Bangladesh
Projectpartner: Swisscontact
Acute shortage of doctors, nurses and midwives
The situation
Bangladesh suffers from an acute shortage of healthcare professionals. There is not only a need for doctors, but also nurses and midwives. In 2022, there were only 12 qualified healthcare professionals per 10,000 inhabitants. By comparison, the WHO recommends at least 45 specialists (situation in Switzerland: 220 specialists).
The situation is particularly critical in rural regions, where over 60% of the population live. Due to the more difficult living conditions there, the few doctors and nurses prefer to work in the urban centers. As a result, people in rural areas have inadequate access to healthcare services. Diseases remain untreated or are misdiagnosed.
The concept
Swisscontact's ASTHA project aims to improve basic medical care in rural areas and at the same time addresses the problem of the high number of unemployed young people in Bangladesh. To this end, young people initially receive two years of training to become so-called community paramedics. Afterwards, they can either be employed in local health centers in rural areas or work independently and help provide urgently needed medical care. This gives the rural population better access to high-quality and affordable healthcare services.
Vocational training as a community paramedic
Young men and women acquire basic medical knowledge on the community paramedic course over two years. In addition to theoretical training, they undertake a six-month internship in a hospital.
They are then able to diagnose and treat common, less complex illnesses and provide professional support during pregnancies and births.
Modern service technologies support the work
After completing their vocational training, community paramedics can either work as employees in local health centers in rural areas or become self-employed. If they opt for self-employment, they need access to modern service technology, such as a referral mechanism. This is also part of the project.
Modern learning technologies support training
Vocational training to become a community paramedic currently takes place in around 30 training centers. The use of modern learning technologies, such as blended learning arrangements, is now set to make training more attractive and less expensive.
Recruit interested women and men for vocational training
The vocational training is not only intended to improve basic medical care in rural areas, but also to give young adults from underprivileged communities in rural areas a valuable career opportunity. Through training and subsequent work as a community paramedic, the young men and women can secure their income. However, the offer must first be made known to recruit interested young people.
Swisscontact's ASTHA project aims to improve basic medical care in rural areas and at the same time to address the problem of the high number of unemployed young people in Bangladesh.
Happel Foundation | Swisscontact
With this project, the Happel Foundation supports young people in Bangladesh to complete vocational training as community paramedics in order to counter the acute shortage of medical professionals in the country.
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The Happel Foundation Switzerland is a charitable Swiss foundation based in Lucerne.