Urban doctor, rural patient

In any society, doctors are considered as saviours of life as they treat patients from all kinds of diseases as well as life-threatening conditions. But if one takes this component away from the profession in Bangladesh, then it will be seen that doctors are like all other professionals. Doctors also worry about their career, economic status, values etc. Such worries push most of them to prefer living in urban areas where they can be near their friends and family and also make more money by treating more patients.
But in Bangladesh, over 64.96 per cent people live in rural areas. With most experienced and qualified doctors in urban areas, rural patients and their families are left with only two options. Either, they can seek treatment from a less experienced medical professional in the village. Or go to the city, which will cost them time and money.
I do not think that this problem can be solved through government regulations or through the participation of Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs). Doctors of the country need to realise their importance in the lives of their patients. They are in a profession where they save lives on a daily basis. The contentment of treating people should motivate most doctors to move to rural areas of the country.
MD. Emon Bhuiyan
East West University
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