Salama Tompoko!
I recently returned from a month providing medical care and training at Andranomadio Lutheran Hospital in Antsirabe. I am happy to report that the hospital is growing rapidly. This is due largely through the contributions of generous groups and individuals in the United States, the support of the Malagasy Lutheran church, assitance from the government of Madagascar. There is a new post-op recovery ward, a recently-completed high-acuity medicine ward, and a newly renovated clinical laboratory. Plans are underway to break ground for the construction of a pediatric unit, and we hope to convert portions of older buildings into an emergency room and a training center. Two new physicians have joined the staff, and a pediatrician is being recruited. Finally, the hospital Board of Directors approved a plan to forge a collaborative relationship with the University of Washington Medical School. We expect that two UW medical students will travel to Madagascar next summer to undertake service projects in public health and learn about how to provide care in a resource-poor area.
The hospital continues to care for many seriously ill people, most of whom are destitute. During my time there, I saw many cases of tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, neurocysticercosis, and typhoid, along with growing numbers of heart disease, strokes, and cancers. A large proportion of the patients were very young, and their illnesses dealt another blow to a family already struggling to get by. It was non uncommon for a patient to be brought to the hospital in the terminal phases of their illness. Sadly, there were times where there was little we could do to save them. For many patients, however, we offered them hope and healing and they recovered to return to their lives and loved ones.
Below is one of the bags of medical supplies I was able to bring over on my trip, a photo of the laboratory in the process of renovation, and a picture of one of the new buildings. Thanks to everyone for your support!
Misaotro Betsaka!
Dr. D
