Anne Brau, an occupational therapist from England, came to CRP through BESO (British Executive Services Overseas) for three months. Anne’s activities were based in Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, the academic institute of CRP. As well as delivering a series of lectures (on the role of occupational therapy in mental health) to second year students, Anne supervised ten third year students on placement at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Dhaka has only been open for one year and has never had occupational therapy as part of its treatment - psychiatric OT is so far unknown in Bangladesh. It was with some trepidation, therefore, that Anne and the students undertook this placement. The hospital had no resources and the group had no idea how they would be received. However, the experience turned out to be a resounding success.

On the final day of placement, Anne and her students delivered a “scientific seminar” to the professors, doctors and senior staff of the hospital. This was received with great interest and enthusiasm. The Director of the hospital, Dr AHM Firoz, stressed the importance of psychosocial OT in the overall treatment of people with mental health problems.

The BHPI students felt they gained greatly in knowledge and experience and thoroughly enjoyed their placement at NIMH. It is hoped that the relationship between NIMH and CRP will continue to develop in the future. There are currently very few occupational therapy posts in hospitals in Bangladesh. With lobbying of the government and the creation of awareness raising programmes about the role of occupational therapy this situation should improve.