The medical side was overseen by Thea Teertstra, paediatric intensivist from Amsterdam. It was an incredible, satisfying and eye-opening experience. My team consisted of six paediatricians and doctors from Amsterdam, the non medics were from England, namely, Andrea Matthews, Rosemary Baker, Jenny Adams, Lesley Rushton and Barbara's son who made a DVD of the medical mission. Preparations for the Pokhara mission began months before we travelled. Co-ordinated by me with the invaluable help and assistance of Chandra Bahadur Gurung, an ex Gurkha and co founder of the Pahar Trust in Nepal, venues were established at different locations in Pokhara and the surrounding areas. Medicines which are unavailable in Nepal were purchased beforehand, though the majority were purchased from pharmaceutical wholesalers in Kathmandu.
The first half of the medical checks were conducted in the mountains staying at Kharpani Eco Lodge with no electricity or gas. Kerosene gas lights created a cosy atmosphere each evening and kerosene cooking stoves provided the team with excellent meals prepared by two cooks. We arrived in the dark after trekking with porters for over two hours after a bus could take the team no further. The following morning we were rewarded with the most stunning panorama, surrounded by snow clad mountains with the fast running Seti River far below, a real wow factor!
Word had gone around to villages within the vicinity that a medical team would be arriving, and children with their families all converged to the lodge for a medical check. The following two days we trekked to two schools, Bhurjung Khola School and Annapurna School to carry out medical checks where we received a wonderful welcome. The other venues were in Pokhara city where we visited the Namaste Children’s Home, Navadeep School, and Hope for Himalayan Kids Orphanage. At each destination we always were given a warm and grateful reception.
The medical cases which we encountered and treated were anaemia, lice and scabies, growth abnormalities, eye, ear and skin infections, worm infections, three heart murmurs, and two broken arms.
On each location the children stood in line for their medical check. They were given a numbered form and were admitted to the first station where name, age and school number were written on the form by a local helper or translator. This paper was than given to the child who kept it until his or her treatment had been completed. After their weight and height had been taken, pulse, temperature and oxygenation of the blood were measured. On the third station, a blood test checked their haemoglobin level and the older children had their blood pressure checked. A complete physical examination was done by one of the doctors who subscribed treatment where needed. Afterwards the child was sent to the last station where the data from the clinical forms were put on a computer and medication was dispensed by one of the doctors with the help of a local nurse or health worker who made sure the dosage was understood by those taking the medication. An anti worming programme was instigated where necessary, and all the children were given multi vitamins to help them through the winter months. Many children were anaemic, and given iron supplements. Each child then received a toothbrush and small toy brought out from England.
Each evening an analysis of the charts and diagnosis were made and referrals for the children for extra diagnostic procedures were completed.
Each evening we evaluated how the day had been for each member of the mission.
Barbara Datson
Leader of the ‘Medical Checks for Children’ medical mission in Pokhara 2007
See also:
- Pokhara Mission 2008 [PDF]
- Watch the video of the Medical Checks for Children Pokhara mission.
