Navigating Change: The Shift in Healthcare Practices in Shibpur Village, Bogura

This study examines the evolving healthcare practices in Shibpur village, Bogura, Bangladesh, amidst significant shifts in the national health landscape. Over the past two decades, Bangladesh has seen substantial improvements in healthcare, notably through expanded immunization, reduced mortality rates, and enhanced maternal health services. These advancements have facilitated the establishment of community clinics and the implementation of telemedicine and universal healthcare initiatives, which have strengthened healthcare access for rural populations. In Shibpur, a village lacking formal health institutions, this study explores how healthcare practices have transitioned from traditional to modern systems. Qualitative data, collected through interviews and focus group discussions with 60 respondents across different age groups, reveals distinct generational differences in healthcare-seeking behaviors. While the younger generation increasingly advocates for modern medical treatment, the older generation often resists, citing superstitions, cost concerns, and a preference for traditional healing methods. This resistance is especially prominent in maternal health and gynecological cases, where social stigma further complicates access to modern care. Additionally, challenges persist within the public healthcare system, such as limited medical supplies, inefficient service delivery, and the influence of intermediaries, leading some residents to favor private healthcare or traditional remedies. This study underscores the need to bridge generational perspectives on healthcare, improve the quality and accessibility of public health services, and address sociocultural barriers to foster a more inclusive healthcare system for rural populations in Bangladesh.