 |
|
|
|
My trip to Ghana was a wonderful, unforgettable opportunity for learning, personal growth, and of course, fun. I traveled with two of my med school classmates and together, we were immersed in an experience that was full of huge smiles, open arms, and grateful patients. Our trip started in Ghana 's capital city, Accra , where we were introduced to a few IHDN team members, many of whom are Dr. Agamah's relatives. We were immediately welcomed and embraced, and I felt right at home. After getting settled and stowing my luggage, I had my first taste of Ghanaian cuisine. Judging by the kindness of the people we had just met, and the delicious food, I knew that during my stay, I would be as happy as a clam. In the days following our arrival, we traveled to Agbozume, where we would be living and working at the nearby and newly built IHDN hospital. We toured the facility, met the staff, and got straight to work. The staff members were so gracious in teaching us and helping us to get our bearings, whether by translating, demonstrating lab techniques, or simply directing us where to go. We each had our own consultation room in the beautiful new facility, complete with desk, a/c, sink, and examination table. I learned so much just from interviewing and examining patients. I would complete my initial assessment, then present patients to either Dr. Agamah (in the first week, while he was still in Ghana ), or Dr. Barnor, the hospital's sharp young physician who would become not only our respected teacher, but also a great friend. Discussions about differential diagnoses and treatment plans were always hugely educational and enlightening, and by the end of the first week, I felt I had fallen right into the swing of things (as long as a translator was by my side). We saw patients of all ages, mostly with infectious diseases such as malaria or helminthic parasites, and patients with chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. We also saw many gynecological cases, including pregnancy, abnormal uterine bleeding, and pelvic infections. Occasionally, we saw an emergency case due to severe cerebral malaria, sepsis from cellulitis, or motor vehicle accidents. Overall, the patients were pleasant, uncomplaining, and very grateful, despite our obvious lack of experience. It was in the consultation room, after treating a sick child or genuinely connecting with a patient who merely needed friendly, helpful health guidance, where I felt that my efforts were truly meaningful, not just for the patient, but for my own growth as a soon-to-be physician learning the nuances of patient care. Another important aspect of our trip was community outreach and public health education. My favorite day was the day we set out to Worgbato village, and, in an empty school room, treated a huge load of patients ‘in the bush,' at no charge. The day was exhausting and we saw many more patients than we would see on a typical day at the IHDN hospital, but I had a fantastic, rewarding time. Weeks later, we returned to Worgbato to help kick-start a women's health club with the aim to educate and encourage women, as the primary head of child care and household duties, to discuss and implement important preventative health measures in their community. Under the shade of a mango tree, we each gave presentations on topics such as common gynecological infections, safe food preparation habits, prevention and treatment of diarrhea in infants, and the importance of health literacy and keeping track of household medical records. At another event targeted towards teenagers at the Somey school near Agbozume, we presented an educational session regarding consequences and prevention of teen pregnancy, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections. I could tell by their questions and feedback that the students were interested and engaged. One aspect of the trip that was unexpected but very eye-opening was the amount of ‘politicking,' as Dr. Agamah describes, that was required to ensure the smooth operation of IHDN. Shrewd diplomacy required that we visit many of the prominent officials in health and government in order to get approval for the IHDN hospital to become a part of the National Insurance Scheme, which would mean that the hospital could accept the newly established national health insurance and be reimbursed by the government for treating patients under the plan. Unfortunately, the hospital's inability to become national insurance provider was the main obstacle towards IHDN's mission to providing healthcare to the community. Despite the overwhelming need for healthcare in the region, the actual number of patients visiting IHDN was dismal because patients could not afford to pay the small treatment fees at IHDN while other hospitals that accepted national insurance required no extra fees. After many visits with different government and healthcare representatives, we learned that IHDN could not be approved for National Health Insurance any time soon because the newly elected government, established just months before, had dissolved the board responsible and would not be re-establishing it for some time. As is the case with executing most large-scale ideas, even when goals are charitable and heartfelt, organizational and political hurdles must be confronted before progress can be made. I sincerely hope that the approval will go through for the next IHDN group, so that they may skip the ‘politicking' and get back to the original objective—to provide healthcare to as many people as possible! Our trip wasn't all just work. We had a lot of time to have fun with our new friends, learn about Ghanaian culture, and eat a ton of delicious food prepared by the amazing sister Grace. We went to church on Sundays, where we got to sing and dance with our friends. We went to the beach in Keta to play soccer and battle the waves in the ocean. We went to Togo , where we visited Auntie Agamah and explored the bustling market. We ate fresh coconuts while resting in a cool breeze at Worgbato. We visited the IHDN mango farm on a rainy, but beautiful day. We went to the arts center in Accra , visited the Akosombo Dam at lake Volta , and toured Aburi botanical gardens. Above all else, the best part of these experiences was spending time with our new friends and getting to know what life is like in Ghana . I truly hope that after my residency training, I can return and reconnect with the people I met and do my part to provide the health care that the people of Ghana deserve. The mission of IHDN is not only inspirational, it is achievable, and I am amazed by the devoted, generous, and caring individuals that make the mission possible.
|
