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July 17, 2009
Kojawara Hospital update
Kojawara Hospital: More details…
The Kojawara RHC is small, with 11 beds for its inpatient facilities. It has an X-Ray machine, laboratory with microscopes and a centrifuge, pharmacy, ladies’ ward, male ward, delivery room, store room, dressing room, and a canteen.
There are two doctors at the RHC, and one ANM (auxiliary nurse-midwife). The ANM and the head doctor are on call 24-7 and live with their respective families in the hospital quarters. The second doctor is a visiting gynecologist, who provides care twice weekly.
When I first arrived on a visit to the hospital, I was undeniably impressed. The hospital has a clean, airy look to it, and the doctors’ offices, wards, and even the canteen are very well maintained. On the surface, there appeared to be absolutely nothing that needed to be changed.
Then, I spent some time getting to know the hospital and its people. Throughout the week, I had long conversations with the doctors and the ANM, and observed the daily activities of the hospital. Through this, I noticed something significant – there were hardly any patients. On a good day, I was told there could be as many as 50 patients. On average, there were 5-7.
The passive approach of the hospital staff to their work became apparent as I spent time at the Kojawara RHC. When there are patients, everyone moves about in an efficient and productive way. Patients receive the free consultation from the doctor, take the prescription to the pharmacist, pay a small free for their medicine and wait on the metal bench to obtain results of any recommended health tests from the technician. Then they are sent on their way.
When there are no patients, nothing happens.
After gaining this overall insight into the ways of the hospital, I spoke to my Reporting Officer back at the head office in Udaipur. Together, we developed a plan and came up with a questionnaire, and soon I was on my way off to interview the villagers of Kojawara.
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to be continued...
~Meha
Posted by mmpandey at July 17, 2009 03:35 AM