Yay Children's hospital...

I thought I should share a story about a child who was treated well at Children's hospital (after my previous post: No money, No Doctor... ). Last week Thursday I saw a young child of about 2 years who had a hemoglobin of 2.7 g/dL. Amazing he was still able to sit upright, but other than that he looked quite ill and had very labored breathing. He had malaria of course, which is the most common cause of severe anemia here. The NGO hospital was full, so I sent him to Children's Hospital- the government run hospital in town. I did help them a bit financially, to cover the consultation fee and to get him started on blood and iv quinine.

This past Wednesday, to my surprise, mom and child showed up at our gate. And I got a big smile out of him! The boy had just been discharged so they came to let me know what happened. In the end they spent Le 150,000 (=$50) at the hospital (half months salary). A ridiculous amount, but, on the other hand, it was spend the money or lose her child's life. She made the right decision and did what she had to do. Unfortunately some people 'don't bother' to try to find the money. I was very happy to see the boy and his hemoglobin had come up to 6 g/dL. Unfortunately mom had left his medicine at home, so I wasn't sure if his malaria was fully treated, so I had him come back today. He had the correct medicine at home, but wasn't sure how to take it, so we gave the first doses in the clinic. Mom now knows how to continue treating him at home and will come back in 3 weeks for a follow-up visit. Way to go mom!

Today I went to the Children's Hospital to see other kids I referred this week. I sent 4 of which 1 died before being seen by the doctor (due to delay because of lack of money), 2 were admitted, and 1 was nowhere to be seen. The ones on the ward were on iv antibiotics, NG feeding, and oxygen if necessary. Their charts were filled out, the nurses were busy and the doctor was seeing them everyday. This is progress! I am glad to see the change and even though there is a long way to go, it's a step in the right direction. (yes, it is costing families a small fortune, but there are lives being saved).