The potential of informal private practitioner in neonatal survival

In Khansama sub-district of Bangladesh, neonatal mortality remains high at 29 per 1,000 live births Informal private health care providers are popular sources of treatment for newborn, but this important cadre is ignored. This study aims to explore the roles of informal health care providers in health care delivery system for neonates. Analysis of the current status of neonatal health, care-seeking behavior and the capabilities of the different healthcare providers was done. Result shows that the informal rural private practitioners play a major role in health service delivery and in the care of the newborn. These providers are part of the community and perceived by the community to be more accessible, more sensitive to client needs and more willing to spend time with their clients. Incorporation, motivation, negotiation/contract, regulation, recognition, and provision of appropriate training to these informal private service providers may improve neonatal survival in particular and the health of the whole population in general.