For over a decade, my career in public health has been shaped by working closely with marginalized communities at the grassroots level in Bangladesh. This immersion in real-world challenges gave me a profound understanding of the public health landscape—its complexities, gaps, and opportunities.
I wrote numerous articles about these experiences, hoping to raise awareness and inspire action. But in 2023, a new direction emerged for me, one that I hadn’t initially envisioned: palliative care.
It all began when I came across a call for a Project Coordinator for AYAT Education’s ‘Compassionate Narayanganj’ project on palliative care. I wasn’t deeply familiar with the field at the time, but I was searching for a new avenue in my career, a way to grow and explore new dimensions of public health.
Palliative care—focused on improving the quality of life for those with serious, often incurable illnesses—resonated with my desire to serve those who need support the most. I began researching the topic, and what started as a curiosity quickly evolved into a passion.
Gradually, I found myself captivated by the complexities of palliative care. I recognized how critical it is to provide compassionate care to patients and their families, especially in a country like Bangladesh, where such services are limited.
I embarked on a learning journey, completing several online courses on palliative care from reputed platforms, broadening my understanding of the subject. At the same time, I was appointed as the Project Coordinator at AYAT Education.
In my role, I focused on mobilizing communities, raising awareness about palliative care, and engaging youth to join the cause.
I also worked to build relationships with media professionals and advocated for more comprehensive palliative care services in our healthcare system. But no textbook or online course could match the lessons I learned from the field, as I worked alongside patients, their families, healthcare professionals, and volunteers. I became keenly aware of the immense emotional and physical needs that palliative care addresses.
The guidance of my supervisor at AYAT Education, along with the support of my dedicated colleagues, was invaluable.
Their insights helped me grasp the practical realities of palliative care in our country.
This wasn’t just a career transition—it was a personal transformation.
As I applied my new knowledge in real-world scenarios, I understood that palliative care isn’t just a medical field; it’s a mission to bring dignity, comfort, and relief to those at their most vulnerable.
I also found a voice through writing, sharing my experiences and insights in local and international media. My articles aimed to shed light on the importance of palliative care, sparking conversations about its integration into Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Each piece I wrote was a reflection of my ongoing journey, a testimony to the vital role of palliative care in public health.
Today, as I continue my work, the drive to learn and advocate for palliative care remains stronger than ever. I believe that those who are passionate about healthcare should consider this field—not just for the clinical skills, but for the deeper understanding of humanity it offers.
It is a field where compassion meets action, where each effort contributes to a more dignified and caring world.
If my journey into palliative care can inspire others, I hope it is by showing that the smallest steps, when taken with dedication, can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling path. To anyone passionate about public health, I encourage you to explore palliative care. It is a field where you can make an impact that extends far beyond the boundaries of illness, touching lives in the most profound ways.
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Written by: Sumit Banik,
Project Coordinator, AYAT Education, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
e-mail: sumit.b@ayateducation.com
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