Public Health Services and Service Gap in Char Land Communities in Bangladesh

Abstract

Char land is well-known as a hard-to-reach community in Bangladesh where the basic health services are very pitiable. Drawing an example from two char land communities in Bangladesh, this study explored the status of the public health services and service gaps. The study collected data from 222 respondents (heads of the households) and used a quantitative research approach where a face-to-face structured interview schedule was employed for data collection. Results showed that the char land family members were suffering different types of diseases, but they did not have adequate scientific treatment facilities; manpower and institutional facilities for health services were lacking against needs; and the quality of health services was awfully poor. All of the respondents mentioned a high service gap between demand and supply on health tests, specialized services and emergency services. Findings would be important guidelines for policy makers, development practitioners, health providers, and health workers.