Opportunities, Challenges and Pathways for the International Placement of Nurses from Bangladesh

Abstract

For a densely populated country like Bangladesh the international placement of professionals is an important source of revenue. This paper explores the opportunities that exist in the placement of Bangladeshi nurses in foreign countries. There is a considerable gap in the demand and supply of nurses in the world market. The Philippines and India are the leading 'exporters' of nurses globally. Nursing education commenced in Bangladesh more than 7 decades ago. However, a Global Value Chain (GVC) Analysis reveals that marketing is the weakest link in the international placement of nurses from Bangladesh, while the standard of the nursing schools are also not satisfactory. A Triple-triangle Analysis has also indicated a number of weaknesses at the firm internal, industry and macro levels. Interventions are required in the areas of financials support for student nurses, capacity development of nursing schools, promotion of Bangladesh as an 'exporter' of nurses, etc. to make it possible for Bangladesh to meet its own needs and supply nurses to the world in 5/10 years time.