Today I spent most of the day at the basic health unit (clinic) in Pir Sabaq. I'm beginning to appreciate primary health care in a developing country such as Pakistan. I have no tests available to aid my diagnosis, there is no referral system for further assessment & their is a lack of medication (I'm talking about types not amounts - believe me they're 'downing it' like candy).
For example I made a clinical diagnosis of malaria in a patient, however for a number of reasons including geographical, monetary & personal health beliefs, she (like almost all others) is unable to have a simple blood test for confirmation. Then there's the man who is having what sounds like epileptic seizures but is unable to afford to attend a hospital for further tests & possible treatments. This sort of management is so routine in the UK that we take it for granted.
During a much needed break I spoke with some of the locals (including staff members). After hearing the stories about of previous volunteers we are well aware that most of the people we have come into contact with will be hoping for some amount of financial help. I do have an 'amount' of money including that given by friends & family that I will give out over the next few days. Everybody seems so poor but I hope I can find some of the neediest people to help. As someone who is well known for his charity work in the surrounding villages, Abdul Wahab (AW) is often asked for financial assistance (for a number of reasons). Ripon has asked me to consider joining him in helping a widow in paying for her daughters wedding.
In the evening we visited the Bazaar in Nowshera. It was busy & I did well not to be run over by the dozens of motorbikes making their way through the crowded streets. AW brought along one of the women from the clinic who was able to ensure we only paid 3500 rupees for our purchases. The initial asking price was 6000 rupees.
I've spoken to a relative in the army. Hopefully we will meet up tomorrow.
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