Treating My Patients Like Family on Their Journey to Good Health

In the government quarter where I grew up, a pediatrician named Dr. Abdus Salam was the family doctor for nearly all the teachers’ children. He used to come to our house and treat me when I was sick. His kind demeanor fascinated me from a young age, and seeing him or listening to him would seemingly cure half my illness. He was an excellent doctor and was popular and respected in our quarters. Witnessing his work, I dreamed of becoming a doctor too because I realized how a doctor can be a source of happiness for a family when they are in trouble. 

When I finished my MBBS and joined a reputed hospital as a medical officer, I saw that often the most successful professors used to see patients for a short time. Their treatment did not provide patients with peace of mind even if their illnesses were cured. They used to come to us with a prescription and say, “What medicine did they give me and why did they give it? Can you explain our reports?” From then on, I realized that spending more time with the patients and creating a relationship with them can help alleviate much of their confusion and worry. They can leave the doctor’s room with more confidence and peace of mind. 

I first joined Praava Health as a locum and witnessed how Praava prioritizes every patient. In Bangladesh where doctors spend an average of only 48 seconds with each patient per visit, at Praava, doctors spend at least 15 minutes with their patients to discuss all their problems and answer any questions they have. As a result, doctors here are filling the knowledge and treatment gaps.  Praava doctors always have a conversation with their patients about their treatments, diseases, and prescriptions in detail. They are both providing a complete analysis of the disease to the patient and supporting the patient emotionally. 

Being a family medicine doctor reminds me of Dr. Abdus Salam from my childhood. When patients are satisfied with their diagnosis, they express gratitude and blessings. Working in Family Medicine seemed like a dream before I came to Praava because it is one of the few places in Bangladesh that offers Family Medicine services. I am grateful to Praava Health for allowing me to come in contact with patients and be a part of their families. 

Praava’s work environment is friendly, safe, comfortable, and encouraging with employees who are full of positivity, and everyone at Praava Health works with empathy and dedication. Praava Health has become a trustworthy and reliable name for the public. Not just doctors, but the entire Praava network works hard to ensure that patients get the services they need when they need them. Such is the dedication of Praava Health employees that one day will make Praava Health the best in Bangladesh. 

I joined Praava on 13 March 2020. I am and always will be indebted to my beloved colleagues, Praava’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Simeen M Akhtar, and Medical Services Director Dr. Faisal Rahman selected me to be a part of this tremendous team. I must express my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the Founder, Chair, and CEO of Praava Health, Ms. Sylvana Quader Sinha, a magnificent visionary and a person with a heart full of love and who works for the betterment of the people of our country. 

I feel very honored and proud to be a member of the Praava family.