Friday Luke and I went to hand over rounds (surgery department) and then rounds with one of the interns at Kamazu District Hospital. This is the main hospital in the capital. The intern must have had 15 patients to round on... then he had to 'rush off to theater' for an emergency and left ME making rounds, writing orders, etc. It has been a very long time since I made hospital rounds and wrote orders on surgery patients. I was very happy to see him back! If you are not familar with some of the conditions in hospitals in Malawi, it is dismal. Not enough of ANYTHING. Sometimes no power and no water. Not enough space in the ORs for all the patients, so people wait long times for urgent surgery. It is heart breaking. However, the interns, the med studens, the nurses all work very, very hard with very limited resources. We saw some very sad cases today. Luke fortunately brought his BP cuff and stethoscope, along with an artery scanner thermometer. I had a pulse oximeter in my purse. We were the best equipped team on the floor (the intern had to borrow Luke's stethoscope). It was a good experience and introduction to some of the issues with medical care in this country. Dr. Carlos Verela is still in charge of the Surgical department and he is very passionate and charming.
We then had lunch with Steven, a young man who was raised in the refugee camps, now works with YWAM to minister to others in the refugee camps (currently working in the one in Malawi.).
After lunch - another run for malaria tests and large gloves, cases of water for our trip to Pothawira this coming week. Now plans for dinner with Roberta Nagel at Bombay Palace. Tomorrow - E3 clinic!
Enjoy the photos!
Joey counting meds at the seizure clinic
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