Indigenous (tribe) people and their baby birth

Bangladesh is one of most underdeveloped countries of the world. Its problems include a growing population, malnutrition, inadequate health services, frequent natural disasters and widespread corruption. In the health sector, Bangladesh continues to face a number of significant challenges despite some progress in the areas of family planning and immunization. Women and children continue to be the most affected and vulnerable groups in the health sector. In response to this the Government has stated its commitment to the provision of basic human needs, including the universal access to primary health care by the year 2030.

Historically, the north west of Bangladesh has been neglected area for developments because of poor communications with the rest of the country. As a result, many of the local people find themselves amongst the poorest of Bangladesh’s many millions of poor.

The subject I am going to share is about Santal people who are one of the largest groups of indigenous (tribe) people and their child birth. It is wise to say that I myself belonging to this Santal Caste. Whatsoever, according to racial character of Santal people they are backward class and illiterate. They are very much shy to communicate with others. That is why they suffer a lot in everywhere. These people live by bodily labour and very few of them firming. They used to get their treatment from an exorcist or a quack doctor. On the other hand they do their baby birth at home by a traditional birth attendant. As it is known the natural way for a baby to be born is through the mother’s vagina (birth canal). But if mother or baby have certain problems before or during labour cesarean section is become must needed things. Very frequently has seen people with this sorts of problems come to see me if I can show them any way of solution. To see their circumstances I think no one can remain silent any longer. I took them to the related hospital and settled everything for them. Being admitted to hospital is tough enough and some patients have undergone traumatic surgeries, but they also have to worry about where to find money to pay their bills for their treatment. Very often they sold whole of their property to pay off the treatment costs. Family needs most right then is help with treatment costs. No doubt, they would be deeply grateful for any financial help anyone can offer them during this very difficult time.

According to my experiences in average 4 (four) patients a month come with such kind of problems. Each patient costs (including all types of medical tests, surgery, medicines and seat charges etc) around $200-$250. In accordance with this total 48 patients and $9,600-$12,000 expenditure will come together in a year.

I would like to put my humble request to you be enough kind to extend your financial helping hand to help these extremely needy people. Any amount you can donate would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

I can be reached anytime via email at [email protected].

In Him

Pulak Soren

Social Worker