From Community Officer to Health Entrepreneur: Rubina's Inspirational Journey

Meet Rubina, a 50-year-old single mother and health entrepreneur who runs a thriving healthcare center while securing a brighter future for her family

In the once-underdeveloped area of Rayerbazar in Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, a troubling situation prevailed. It was all too common for people to become ill without access to proper medical care. Rubina Chowdhury is a familiar face in this community, with 10 years of experience working in an area where essential services like healthcare were short in supply. Despite lacking a background in medicine, her curiosity about healthcare began to grow. As she became deeply involved in the community's struggles, a profound sense of purpose ignited within her – a desire to make a meaningful impact on the community's well-being.   

As a single parent, Rubina had to face a lot of life’s challenges on her own. Joining Spreeha’s healthcare center as a community officer was a big decision in her life. But everyday, thinking about the future of her two daughters, she gathered her strength and continued her work. Since then she never looked back. 

Beyond the given responsibilities, Rubina was determined to equip herself with the necessary knowledge and skills. Her dedication to personal growth and development led her to pursue a specialized course to become a certified pharmacist. In addition to help treat pregnant women and young mothers at the center. As Spreeha expanded, so did her involvement, and she quickly became an integral part of Spreeha's growth.  

 “It was my calling to join Speeha at the most uncertain time of my life. Here, I firsthand witnessed the transformative power of proper healthcare support and the impact it has to change people’s lives.” 

Over time, she has not only managed to become a popular pharmacist, but also proven herself to be an active health entrepreneur in her community. Today she manages a thriving healthcare center in a joint collaboration with Spreeha - empowering herself and those around her. With Rubina’s leadership, the center now serves 1500 patients monthly through doctor consultation, safe medication, quality diagnostics and health education. Her clinic specially helps underserved mothers in experiencing a safe pregnancy and also focuses on resolving the skin diseases persistent in that area due to the lack in safe water usage and healthy lifestyle. 

"When I see that people in my community rely on me and genuinely appreciate my advice, I feel complete satisfaction in my work. Life has been tough. But it’s the people who supported me and my healthcare skills, I've been able to find purpose and meaning in my work." 

Rubina stands as a great example of someone who didn't let setbacks stop her, while proving that there’s no room for gender stereotypes. She dreams of creating a healthcare system that is affordable and accessible to everyone in her community. Her remarkable journey from being a community officer to becoming a health entrepreneur is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and a burning passion to make a positive impact on people's lives. 

“Thanks to Spreeha for believing in me and equipping myself to start a business as a health entrepreneur. I hope that my journey will inspire and empower others to keep pursuing their dreams as well.”