Statement of Purpose Occupational Therapist in Bangladesh Dhaka – Free Word Template Download with AI

As I reflect on my journey toward becoming a dedicated health professional, it becomes increasingly clear that my purpose is to serve the people of Bangladesh Dhaka through occupational therapy. This Statement of Purpose articulates my unwavering commitment to this field, grounded in personal experiences, academic preparation, and a profound understanding of Dhaka's unique healthcare challenges. My goal is not merely to earn the title "Occupational Therapist" but to become an agent of transformative change within Bangladesh's most densely populated urban center.

My path toward occupational therapy began during childhood in Dhaka, where I witnessed the devastating impact of urban poverty on vulnerable communities. Growing up near Mirpur’s informal settlements, I observed how chronic conditions like stroke and diabetes—often exacerbated by poor living conditions—left individuals unable to perform basic daily activities. I recall a neighbor, Ms. Ayesha, who lost her ability to cook after a fall; her family’s despair was palpable when she could no longer prepare meals for her children. This moment crystallized my purpose: occupational therapy isn’t just about clinical techniques—it’s about restoring dignity through meaningful engagement in life. In Bangladesh Dhaka, where 30% of the population lives below the poverty line and healthcare access is uneven, this mission holds urgent significance.

I completed my Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET), where I prioritized coursework directly relevant to Bangladesh’s needs. My thesis, "Barriers to Rehabilitation Services for Elderly Stroke Patients in Dhaka City," analyzed 150 case studies from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital (BSMMU). Findings revealed that 78% of patients discontinued therapy due to transportation costs and cultural misconceptions about disability. This research reinforced my conviction that effective occupational therapy in Bangladesh Dhaka must be culturally attuned, economically feasible, and integrated with community-based care models—principles I now advocate for in every clinical interaction.

My fieldwork at the Dhaka Community Health Center (DCHC) during my final year provided hands-on insight into Bangladesh’s healthcare gaps. Working alongside senior Occupational Therapists, I developed adaptive techniques for children with cerebral palsy using locally available materials—like repurposed bamboo for splints and rice sacks for sensory bins—proving that high-impact therapy need not rely on imported equipment. During a six-month internship at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), I collaborated on a project training community health workers to identify early developmental delays in infants. This experience taught me that sustainable change requires empowering local stakeholders, a principle central to my practice philosophy.

Dhaka presents complex occupational challenges demanding specialized intervention: the city’s air pollution causes 40% of respiratory ailments among children; flooding displaces 1 million residents annually, disrupting access to therapy; and a severe shortage of occupational therapists (only 2 per million people) leaves communities without support for injuries from rickshaw accidents or factory fires. As an Occupational Therapist in Bangladesh Dhaka, I am committed to filling this gap by focusing on three critical areas: child development (addressing rising autism diagnoses), vocational rehabilitation (supporting informal sector workers after injuries), and civilian disaster response. Unlike traditional physical therapy, occupational therapy uniquely addresses the "occupation" of daily life—whether it’s a garment worker regaining hand function or a flood survivor rebuilding livelihoods.

My short-term goal is to establish a mobile occupational therapy unit operating in Dhaka’s underserved neighborhoods, partnering with NGOs like BRAC and the Bangladesh Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT). Using low-cost telehealth platforms, we’ll provide home-based assessments for elderly patients who cannot travel. Long-term, I aim to develop Dhaka-specific training modules for community health workers to screen for occupational barriers in maternal care and mental health—a gap identified in my BSMMU research. Crucially, I will advocate for policy changes recognizing occupational therapy’s role in Bangladesh’s National Health Policy 2019-2030, ensuring funding allocations reflect the scale of need.

Dhaka is projected to reach 35 million residents by 2035, intensifying pressure on healthcare systems. Every month I delay action means more individuals losing independence due to preventable conditions. My recent participation in the Bangladesh Health Foundation’s "Therapy for All" initiative—where we trained 40 community volunteers in basic adaptive techniques—proves that scalable models work. Now, with my clinical certification and deep understanding of Dhaka’s infrastructure challenges (e.g., navigating monsoon floods during home visits), I am ready to implement these solutions at scale. This is not merely a career choice; it is a moral imperative rooted in the lived experiences of Dhaka’s communities.

This Statement of Purpose embodies my pledge to elevate occupational therapy as an essential pillar of Bangladesh’s healthcare landscape. In Bangladesh Dhaka, where every street corner tells a story of resilience and vulnerability, I envision a future where no one is defined by their disability but empowered through meaningful daily occupations. My academic rigor, community-rooted experience, and strategic vision position me to not only meet but exceed the needs of Dhaka’s people as an Occupational Therapist. I am eager to contribute my skills to organizations like the Dhaka Community Rehabilitation Centre (DCRC) or public hospitals where occupational therapy remains underutilized yet critically needed. Together, we can transform Dhaka into a city where health equity is not an aspiration but a reality—starting with the simple act of enabling someone to feed their child, earn an income, or walk safely home. This is why I am here: committed to this cause in Bangladesh Dhaka, today and for generations to come.

Word Count: 852

⬇️ Download as DOCX Edit online as DOCX