Pakistan Floods 2010, Doctors Worldwide - Day 9, 16/10/10 - Winding Down

Today I worked at Pir Sabaq & Ripon at Gandheri. It was my last day at the clinic. On my way there I couldn't help but think how courageous the people are. They are working hard to rebuild their lives. Small children do the tough work of adults not because they are forced but because there is a genuine need. I couldn't last a day in their shoes. At the clinic Scabies is seen on a daily basis. It's usual treatment involves treating the entire family with an 'all body' lotion on two separate occasions. A fair guess at family sizes in Pir Sabaq would be between seven & thirteen. Need I say more? (we are out of Permethrin)!

Before leaving Pir Sabaq for the last time, I forced my two helpers to accept £20 each (a gift & not from the 'give to the needy' pot). I could see their intrigue as they examined 'English' money. Unfortunately that was not the last thing I did before leaving. That was to ensure that one of the self declared male volunteers (husband of an employee) does not enter the clinic again. Let's just say his behaviour toward female patients has been inappropriate!

After lunch which included a special treat - fried fish, we completed the medication stock check & provided instructions for maintaining standards & reordering medications. We packed (hastely) & bid farewell to our hosts, leaving them all with a £20 gift.

We had supper at Zeeshans house in Islamabad. It was delicious - no disrespect to 'chacha' (our cook in Mardan), but this food definately had a womans touch!

I am currently in a hotel in Islamabad (no it's not the Serena hotel lol). We are expecting Leah from the UK tommorrow. She's going to film a documentary for DWW & their donars.

We have given AW an amount of money to begin the 'sewing project' & to contribute towards a 'water project'. This includes money given by friends & family to give towards helping the poor.