Shifokor

Shifokor is a term used in Bangladesh to refer to a licensed traditional medicine practitioner. Shifokors are individuals who have completed a traditional medical education and have obtained the necessary certification to practice as a primary healthcare provider in rural areas of Bangladesh.

The term "Shifokor" is derived from the Bengali language, where "Shifok" means "medical practitioner" and "-kor" is a suffix indicating a person who practices a particular profession. In Bangladesh, Shifokors play a crucial role in providing primary healthcare services to remote and underserved communities.

Shifokors have a traditional education in Ayurveda and Unani, which are systems of traditional medicine that originated in India and the Middle East, respectively. They have studied a combination of herbal remedies, lifestyle advice, and hands-on medical techniques that are specific to these traditional medicine systems.

Shifokors are often the first point of contact for people in rural areas, particularly in communities where access to modern healthcare facilities is limited. They provide consultation, diagnosis, and treatment for a range of health issues, including common illnesses, chronic diseases, and injuries.

In Bangladesh, there are two types of Shifokor licenses: one for those who have completed a 5-year traditional medical course and another for those who have completed a 1-year practical course. Shifokors who hold these licenses are recognized as health professionals by the Bangladesh government and are entitled to practice as primary healthcare providers.

Overall, Shifokors are an integral part of the healthcare system in Bangladesh, providing essential services to vulnerable communities and helping to bridge the gap in healthcare access.