KUMJ | VOL. 12 | NO. 2 | ISSUE 46 | APRIL-JUNE, 2014
Study of Working Experience in Remote Rural Areas after Medical Graduation
Thapa KR, Shrestha BK, Bhattarai MD
Abstract: Background
Posting of doctors in remote rural areas has always been a priority for Government;
however data are scarce in the country about experience of doctors of working in
remote areas after medical graduation.
Objective
A questionnaire survey of doctors was planned to analyze their experience of
working after graduation in remote rural areas in various parts of the country.
Method
The cross-sectional survey was done by convenience sampling method. A one-page
questionnaire with one partially closed-end and five open-end type questions was
distributed to the doctors who had worked in remote rural areas after graduation
under various governments’ postings.
Result
Two-third of participants had their home in urban areas and 89.8% had stayed for 1
to 5 years. About half of the participants had difficulty in getting the posting in the
remote areas of their choice. Most participants indicated provision of opportunities
for Residential (postgraduate) Training as their reasons of going to remote areas as
well as their suggestions to encourage young graduates to go there. Similarly most
also suggested appropriate career, salary and incentives to encourage doctors to go
to work in remote areas. About 85% of participants pointed out the major problem
faced while posted in remote areas as difficulty in handling varied situations with
no guidance or seniors available around.
Conclusion
The notable points indicated by the participants are centered on the opportunity
for Residential Training and difficulties faced without such training. Residential
Training is a priority to be considered while planning the health policy for optimum
health care of people.
Keyword : Health service, medical graduate, postgraduate training, remote area health, residential training, rural health, rural retention.
