Healthcare Services of NGOs in the <i>Haor</i> (Wetland) Communities: A Social Capital Perspective

This study aims to explore how non-governmental organisations (NGOs) generate certain components of social capital through the provision of healthcare. Two NGOs, the Development Association for Self-reliance Communities and Health (DASCOH) and the renowned American charity, Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE), were selected to examine their healthcare services in two villages in the Sunamganj District of Bangladesh. This research employed a multi-method qualitative data collection procedure, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Results showed that, despite structural limitations, NGOs’ health services have made important strides towards the improvement in haor residents’ well-being, particularly during the endemic floods that hit the area every year. The activities of NGOs contributed to three essential elements of social capital: (a) the organisation of community participation, (b) the establishment of networks between service providers and patients and (c) the building of trust between NGOs and communities. The findings of this research can be useful to policymakers, development practitioners, health workers and NGO managers for designing and developing haor community development activities.