Tying up loose ends.
The water sanitation group is doing final checks of the installations. Some modifications will be needed so another hospital can use the water from the Karai orphanage. Kathy finalized her role in helping Kikuyu Hospital move forward with the certification of the proposed nursing school .
WaterStep
Dr. Joe spent another day in the nursery, pediatric ward and outpatient clinic. One particularly troubling case is an eleven year old with encephalitis complicating chicken pox. If this boy lived in the US, he would have been protected from this illness by simple immunization. Instead he has a long road of recovery with likely permanent brain dysfunction. He is receiving physical therapy to help him walk again; tonight we are going to look for coloring books and other toys that might help him regain the use of his hands. He has very supportive but obviously concerned parents and has received excellent nursing and medical care at PCEA Kikuyu General Hospital.
Today we bring to a close 10 years of coming to Kenya. I pray that we have many more years to serve here. I believe the major impediment to care is limited access either due to the distance from orthopedic care, or due to inability to pay. Hopefully, as the economy of Kenya improves millions more will have access to care. With the advent of orthopedic surgery residencies, care will spread to smaller cities. At present there is a strike of all government employed doctors. This means that the church owned hospitals are overwhelmed with patients. Yesterday, it looked like we were catching up to the waiting cases but today there about 12 awaiting surgery and the capability to operate on 6 of them.
The care provided has advanced over the ten years. In 2007 bone infections were treated as they were in the pre-antibiotic era. That is to drain the infection and leave the wound open to slowly close. Today antibiotics are available for use and are effective. The hip replacement used in 2007 was the same as the first ones used in the 1970’s. Now, though not the latest version, it is a modern version. The same is true for knee replacement. The devices used for fracture care are very much the same as in the US. There is now a form of government health insurance which pays for room and board. Definitely a help to access.
In a more general sense, the roads are greatly improved. I haven’t seen a car swallowing pothole in a few years. There is even a loop road around Nairobi. A new rail line across the country is being constructed. Interestingly, all these infrastructure projects are being done by Chinese companies.
Two things don’t change. First the amazing variety of orthopedic conditions I see here. Second, and more important is that Kenyans are warm, wonderful, and grateful people who I love.
Thank you for your interest. I am overwhelmed by the number of people following our blog. Going on Safari tomorrow.
Blessings,
Doug
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