The implementation of health programmes by external health professionals (`givers') in disadvantaged communities (`receivers') faces a variety of interactional barriers, some of which can be appreciated within the framework of the doctor-patient relationship. This paper identifies the problems of cultural dissonance, unrealistic expectations, hostility, and non-Cupertino that sometimes arise within the giver-receiver relationship and outlines strategies to deal with them. The recognition and resolution of these issues are important to ensure the success of health programmes.
