Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Bangladesh

This chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Bangladesh, focusing on its role, significance, and integration within the healthcare system. It begins by outlining the national profile and the regulatory framework governing CAM practices, including licensing requirements for practitioners and activities. The chapter highlights the prevalence of CAM and identifies the main reasons people in Bangladesh seek alternative therapies, such as accessibility, affordability, and cultural beliefs. A detailed analysis is presented on the costs associated with CAM services, alongside the attitudes, knowledge, and practices of different stakeholder groups, including the general public, healthcare professionals, and students from medical and health sciences programs. The chapter explores a variety of CAM modalities common in Bangladesh, such as…