Hand in Hand Humanitarian Mission Quang Binh 2007
"It is probably easier to choose to help the richest of the rich, ather than the poorest of the poor."
The Family Medical Practice Vietnam went on another humanitarian medical mission from 13 May 2007.
Dr. Rafi Kot, General Director, FMP:
This was the second year we headed off on our annual rural medical project. It is probably easier to choose to help the richest of the rich, rather than the poorest of the poor. When I set trail to the Ho Chi Minh road for 8 days, covering some 1,200km and numerous districts, communes, border villages and other remote areas, I did not know what to expect.
Although working in Vietnam for 20 years, 7 of them in rural remote areas, it always strikes me how much is needed and still to be done.
The criteria I set for the project location were quiet straight forward:
- Objective Poverty / not just due to weak government
- Geo-Topographical remoteness
- No access to running water or electricity
- Poor or limited access to health facilities
Minh Hoa district in Quang Binh province was chosen:
Firstly, Quang Binh is one of the three poorest provinces in Vietnam
and Minh Hoa district is considered to be the poorest of the province.
This is a remote area in which only 3.4% of the land is suited to
agriculture, not only because of mountainous topography, but also due
to a large number of UXO’s (unexploded ordinance) left over after the
war. Minh Hoa district played a crucial role during the war as an
outlet for North Vietnamese forces, traveling through the Truong Son
Mountains, into the Mu Gia pass, and hence the Ho Chi Minh trail.
The area is a habitat for the lesser minorities of Vietnam - some of
them discovered by the military were still residing in caves up until
few years ago.
The only way one can now reach the area, is via the new Ho Chi Minh
road. Until this was recently constructed and opened in this section,
the area was inaccessible.
As much as the government tries to supply basic health care services
to the inhabitants of the district, it still falls very short of what
could be done. The needs in some fields are still very basic.
Our decision was to concentrate on three main issues:
- Basic screening and health checks with emphasis on Tuberculosis. To facilitate this we dragged into the mountains a mini container, and improvised a room with an X-ray machine, film processor and electrical generator. For consultations & patient screening we committed 29 medical doctors and nurses. We also took our own radiologist. This is not to mention some 20 translators, administrators, drivers and others.
- Oral Hygiene – Involving three dentists , assisting staff and oral hygienists
- Nutrition Project – where Rice (30,000kg), salt (3,000kg) and (in chosen areas), live Mong Cai piglets were given to the villagers. Pig donation & subsequent ownership was on a community responsibility basis, and done against a signed care contract for the piglets. The Mong Cai Pig is a mountain adapted species which feeds on a relatively wide range of food. It is sturdy and easy to raise. Females give birth to 10 -12 piglets at a time and twice yearly, so this pig is ideal for breeding.
In addition, collected private donations were given to individuals and families. The immense gratitude of the recipients was overwhelming!!
Without our wonderful donors, I don’t think this project could have proceeded.
The Result :
5,500 people were seen, examined, and cared for over a period of one week!!!!!!!!!
I would like to sincerely thank all Family Practice members who participated in the project (i.e. staff from all four clinics!!)
Thanks too, to other persons who came from all walks of life (from Vietnam and overseas) especially to participate in this project.
Once again to all our donors, on behalf of the clinics and myself and all the recipients of your great charity:
A BIG BIG THANK YOU !!!
|
