Jibon Tari: A Floating Hospital to Serve Distressed Humanity

Abstract

Even after 43 years of independence, Bangladesh—one of the poor and densely populated countries of the world—is suffering from inadequate healthcare systems and facilities for the nation. Although there have been few noteworthy achievements from public and public sector initiatives, a significant proportion of the rural population is still deprived of required medical care. Under such prevailing paradoxical development, the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Bangladesh have played a vital role in alleviating the poor healthcare condition in Bangladesh. While private sector healthcare comes at high cost, it is only accessible to high income groups. Whereas public sector healthcare though comparatively much less expensive, the quality of service provided is highly questionable. In such a situation, NGOs have aided the country's need for basic healthcare. The NGOs have reached the grassroots in order to spread awareness and information and to provide quality healthcare to the underprivileged. The paper focuses on one such NGO, Impact Foundation1 ‘Jibon Tari’ floating hospital, which aims to serve the poverty stricken people of Bangladesh. This case study focuses on the current changes, challenges, and attributions of a dynamic NGO with a unique concept, known as Jibon Tari that assists in aiding the healthcare deficit in Bangladesh.