Peoples integrated alliance: Supplementing Bangladeshi traditional medical practice with western technologies

Abstract

Bangladesh is a country in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Myanmar to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south. Traditional medical system is part of every society. It reveals the concept of health and illness which is unique to that particular society and behavioral dimensions of the illness and health. Despite massive technological developments throughout South Asia, most medical technologies bypass the Bangladeshi nomadic population who continue to experience high levels of poor health, infant mortality and lack of access to basic health care and education. Living at high altitudes, remote from towns and villages, Bangladeshi herders and farmers maintain the traditions and cultures that have existed for thousands of years. Peoples Integrated Alliance is a registered charity in Bangladesh that aims at working with nomadic and semi-nomadic populations in the Bangladesh, namely Bedey, Garo, Santal, Manipuri, Boam, and Khashia in providing necessary health education and training. The non-political, non-religious organization works with Bangladeshi doctors in Bangladesh in creating long-term, sustainable education and training that covers mother and child health, general health and hygiene, diet and nutrition, and first aid, to nomadic communities. Following the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation tradition of respecting and cultivating local traditions, Peoples Integrated Alliance aims at ensuring an understanding of nomadic environments and traditions. The organization is fully aware of the socio-cultural and political implications of introducing Western medical practices and technologies to this unique culture and environment. This paper will explore these ‘risks’ – medical, social, political and environmental – through the citing of examples of the work that has already been done as well as the plans the organization has for the future. The organization believe that it is through their participation with local doctors, always starting with the principles of traditional Bangladeshi medical practices, that Western medicine will best be used to ensure nomadic survival. Now it is right time to act as there is political commitment in the country to digital Bangladesh. Prudent investment and careful planning will allow Bangladesh to achieve its public-health goals by 2030, if not by 2021. Project support received in part by the Peoples Integrated Alliance and Mohona Environment Development Society.