Planning your elective--Bangladesh

Bangladesh borders India and Burma, with the Bay of Bengal to the south. The north is mountainous, but most of the country consists of fertile alluvial plains. Political troubles and repeated floods have left Bangladesh with major economic problems and this is reflected in its health care. It does, however, make an interesting elective destination. Not surprisingly, infectious disease and malnutrition are the major problems, especially in rural areas. Being able to speak Bengali is an obvious advantage, but at least in the main hospitals, is not essential.