48RC-P0001 Madagascar:
Rural Clinic Support
The 13 rural clinics of SALFA, the health department of the Malagasy
Lutheran Church, exemplify the mission of Global Health Ministries
in faithfully bringing the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the
poor in the most remote regions of the island.
Salary subsidies for the struggling clinics in the most remote
areas of the country can be a virtual 'shot in the arm,' greatly
assisting the clinics to become self-sufficient. Patients are very
poor; financial assistance is needed initially to provide care.
Goal for 2008: $23,300.
One of the rural clinics at Vorehe has recently submitted a report
on its services, challenges and needs. It is reprinted below.
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I. EVANGELIZATION
We do not stop preaching the Word of God to the patients and many
of them become Christians.
Problem 1: The hymnals and Bibles are becoming older.
Consequence: It is difficult to sing and to read the Word of God.
Solution: There are plans to purchase hymnals and Bibles.
Problem 2: There are still many patients who do not believe in God
but practice traditional healing and/or visit witchdoctors.
Consequence: They have not become convicted of God’s love.
Solution: We continue to preach the Word of God to the patients.
II. MEDICAL WORK
There are many patients coming to SALFA Vorehe from far away villages
like Morombe, Manja, Toliara because we have a Toby where psychiatric
patients are treated, and also tuberculosis services.
Problem 1: Because of SALFA Vorehe being a Reference Center, the
patients who come here are seriously ill.
Consequence: Some are healed, however, others die. Even if we were
to send them to Toliary it would be a three-day trip, especially
during this rainy season when the roads are nearly impassable.
Solution: We do our best to serve the patients.
Problem 2: In this region of Mikea, money is scarce; that is why
the patients don’t have enough money, even for the treatment
of their health.
Consequence: The SALFA Vorehe dispensary has many debts because
it has to financially support the poor patients.
Solution: Fortunately, the SALFA Headquarters gives us credit when
selling medicines to us because of your donation to rural clinics.
The number of poor patients from July to December 2007 totaled 180
with expenditures of 3 000 000 Ariary, or approximately US$1,700.00.
MEDICAL ACTIVITIES PATIENTS PER MONTH
Outpatient consultations 250
Prenatal clinic 20
Maternity activities (Deliveries ...) 15
Family Planning 60
Immunizations 150
III. GLOBAL ACTIVITIES ACCOMPLISHED
Problem 1: The solar panels are old. Also, some of the batteries
no longer have a charge. The solar panel which is responsible for
obtaining water was stolen one week ago.
Consequence: We drink dirty water. We use candles and kerosene lamps.
Solution: We have reinforced the fence to protect the Solar panels.
Problem 2: The house for the tuberculosis patients and office are
destroyed.
Consequence: The tuberculosis patients suffer from the rainy and
cold weather.
Solution: The T.B. program is responsible for the housing.
Problem 3: The different furnishings at this health center are old,
such as the gynecology table, beds, mattresses, delivery table,
etc.
Consequence: We have difficulties in completing our daily activities.
Solution: Gynaecology table ? The Reproductive Health Project will
help us obtain a new one.
Mattresses: We have bought three
SALFA Headquarters proposed solution: SALFA Headquarters will buy
one roll of material for mattresses; the local people will fill
it with stuffing.
It is wonderful if SALFA Vorehe can make 3 or more beds, using local
supplies.
Prepared by the Medical Chief of the Dispensary: Dr Tolopeno SOANOMEY
Translated by SAHOLINIRINA Fetison
Edited by BENTSEN Patricia
Sent by SALFA Headquarters, February 6 and March 6, 2008
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