By Tony Sharpe | Project Leader
New developments move ahead steadily in keeping with the remote, and very relaxed, way of life in the Hidden Himalayas. The lack of roads and other essentials of 'modern life' in this very mountainous region can make working there difficult but rewarding. Local people are hard working and very enthusiastic about the positive change that is slowly happening and bringing new hope to this beautiful but remote corner of the world. They contribute in many ways through their own resources and labour and also in decision making and sourcing funding from government agencies. The Nepal Trust is there to help facilitate this self-help approach and support the local communities to achieve their goals.
The new Birthing Centres are progressing well. Bargaun has started recruitment of specialist staff and is virtually up and running. The Sarkegad building is now complete, with the help of a Community Assistance Grant, and internal work is underway. The adjoining Government Health Clinic, originally built by the Nepal Trust, is now receiving urgent remedial work necessary as the result of years of neglect through a debilitating civil war centered in this particular area. Funding for the Yari Birthing Centre is almost there and work will be starting shortly.
Our 2014 Little Doctor Health Education programmes are now fully subscribed and funded. Thank you to all who have contributed to support this innovative and very worthwhile project.
It is, perhaps, appropriate to look back and think about why the Nepal Trust is here trying to make a difference. Twenty years ago a young mother from Humla approached two British doctors and asked them to please come and establish a health clinic in her home district of Humla where there was nothing functioning. Within two years a brand new clinic was operating a service and attracting patients from two to three days walk away - such was the need! From there we have established a chain of clinics and services covering most of this remote and impoverished district changing lives and bringing hope.
The following are extracts from 'A Personal View' written by a young British doctor who spent a month working in one of the more remote clinics over 15 years ago.
'Its been an experience of a lifetime. I have, like on all journeys, gained so much personally but I think I have also given much too. I feel like I have been part of something very rare, part of a tradition and way of life that is in danger of disappearing for ever.
The people I worked with are very special. Their way of life is very hard and unromantic but, from my perspective, it was very romantic, peaceful and spiritual.. However, I did gain some understanding of their perspective as I lived at the clinic on my own. This meant cooking, collecting firewood, cleaning, clinic teaching,washing - all without modern tools, light, electricity, etc. It was hard work and yet I was lucky that my work did not involve 8 hours of back breaking work in the fields! Suddenly you understand why the women who come to the clinic laugh at you when you tell them they must wash themselves and their children every day!
Life takes on a whole new perspective and I don't think I will ever be the same again. I think I will struggle with the demanding 'Western' patients who have driven 5 minutes down the road and demand to be seen right away. In Humla I saw people who had walked for two days with severe Rheumatic Heart Failure and still sat patiently waiting to be seen.
Medicine in remote areas: no resources, no means of evacuation, no money, no time, no understanding. Very difficult! I know so little of a HUGE problem. I can only give my brief experience and perspective to others; my opinions and ideas almost worthless in such a big complex of problems.But, I feel I did some positive small changes during my time at the clinic. I feel, at least, that I left behind three Health Workers who were a little more knowledgeable, motivated and informed. I think that my time at the clinic improved its reputation, increased the people's trust in the clinic and trust in Western health workes and the Nepal Trust.'
Fifteen years has seen many changes, still no roads but mobile phones in places! Many volunteer doctors and health professionals have contributed over the years and many share similar sentiments. Things are improving. Our integrated approach has seen significant improvements to lives and societies. Children survive the early dangerous years and health knowledge has been widely disseminated through our child health education programmes. The clinic in the report above is vey successful and run in collaboration with another specialist NGO to ensure resources are used efficiently and meet all essential needs.
However, it's a long haul and not a simple in-out operation!
Thank you for all your support. Please spread the word.
By Tony Sharpe | Project Leader
By Tony Sharpe | Project Leader
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