Waiting for the Njokuti docters

Another mission took place in November 2018 to the District Hospital Sumve and the Selian Hospital Arusha in Tanzania. In the weeks before, a lot of things were picked up by campaigns at school and in the neighborhood, via followers of the Facebook page ‘orthopedist in africa’ and by family, friends and employees of the Groene Hart Hospital. Bags full of cuddly toys, toys, clothing, shoes and school supplies.

 

After the usual night flight from Wednesday to Mwanza via Nairobi and the subsequent car ride on the now partially paved road to the district hospital Sumve, the clinic was started immediately after arriving on Thursday afternoon. Aided by many well-known employees and a few new faces, a stream of collected patients with the most diverse disorders was assessed. Although it is always exciting what appears that day, the most exciting part of this mission was the opening of the new operating complex. In the years before, a lot of hard work was done to get the complex up and running, partly under the guidance of the Dutch volunteers Tineke and Dirk, from the foundation “Saidia helps Sumve”. It is our honor to perform the first operation in the new operating room. A few things still needed to be done. The auction room still had to be prepared and the warehouse and the sterilization service still had to be moved. For us, furnishing the coffee room was a not unimportant part. Operating in the new rooms was a significant improvement. Now for an update of the available devices and medical instruments. Dr. Edwin Mujwahuzi had been working for a week alongside experienced general surgeon Dr. Abdullah. Enthusiastic, inquisitive and helpful. A great asset to the hospital. Several good joint interventions and discussions took place.

 

 

 

 

 

The transfer to Arusha took place on Sunday. Here, in the Selian hospital Arusha, under the leadership and in collaboration with the team of Dr. Robert Maisu, many patients were assessed on an outpatient basis and operated where necessary and possible. The quality of care in this hospital has improved considerably in recent years. This is necessary in view of the increasing number of patients with more complex care.

 

A visit followed to the rehabilitation center “the plasterhouse Arusha” and to a local school in Arusha. Here the remaining hugs and school supplies were handed over for further distribution. Arusha said goodbye with empty bags and many experiences. It will not be long before this part of Tanzania no longer needs us.

 

Peer Poelmann and Rene van den Wijngaard, orthopedic surgeons