In
a small jungle clearing on the Caribbean coast of north eastern
Panama, a group of indigenous Ngäbe indians in their finest
traditional dress and an equally proud group of foreigners, with
stethoscopes dangling around their necks, gathered to celebrate a
landmark event: the opening of Floating Doctors first remote outpost
clinic. It began as a dream, as an inspired idea, and following
months of discussion, planning, co-ordination and man-power, it has
emerged as a physical manifestation of the commitment to healthcare
and strengthening relationships
between Floating Doctors and the community members of Playa Verde.
Floating
Doctors has been providing free, high quality, remote healthcare to
Playa Verde and other communities throughout the Bocas del Toro
archipelago and Chiriqi Province for several years now. Every 3-4
months we would arrive at each community laden
with bags of equipment, paperwork, medications and volunteers,
eager to see old friends and sad to hear of others departed. Each
time we left we would go with heavy hearts, knowing that there would
be no medical care available except for that which we organize, or
until we returned. This time however we arrived knowing that we were
here to celebrate the opening of a clinic. A place that will be a
cornerstone of healthcare, health education, cultural exchange and a
base for reaching even more remote communities around the coast.
The
day started with a flock of volunteers sand-papering and painting the
building, finishing off wooden examination tables and mounting
cupboard hinges. At around 11am Ito, the village mayor, blew his
conch shell to summon the village to the inauguration ceremony.
Local men, women and children gathered alongside the Floating Doctors
team and there was a flutter of excited anticipation rippling through
the group. The ceremony opened with a short blessing from the
community religious leader, and was followed by a heartfelt and
highly emotive speech by Ito, welcoming Floating Doctors as part of
the community, sharing his aspirations for healthcare and cultural
growth, looking forward to a long and healthy relationship with Dr
Ben and all the team. Eta, the much loved Peace Corps worker, who was
instrumental in co-ordinating this project from the Playa Verde end,
said a few words in both Ngäbere and Spanish and handed the baton
over to Ben where huge thanks and important acknowledgements were
given, wrapped within an eloquent expression of gratitude, hope and
future ambition. Following a series of photos to mark the occasion,
a huge feast ensued. Piles of yuca, rice, beans and beef emerged and
were shared out amongst all, and the afternoon clinic took place
amongst a sea of smiles and well sated bellies.
Five
of us stayed that night in the new clinic, in preparation for a full
day of work there the following day. After sundown, just as we were
settling in for the night, a young boy came to the door and asked if
we could help him – his grandmother had just been bitten by a
scorpion. The clinic was proving it's worth on it's very first day!
We picked up our emergency kit and our head torches and followed the
boy home to find his grandmother on the floor in serious pain. We
sat down with her and inspected the culprit: a small brown scorpion,
now chopped in two by machete. No mistaking what had bitten her then!
Whilst monitering her we took the opportunity to learn a little more
about common biting creatures and the local remedies they use.
Fortunately, for an adult, this was not a particularly perilous
scorpian and following an hour of observation, administration of
medications and educating the family regarding signs of worsening, we
retired home. An early morning visit the following day reassured us,
and revealed to us just how appreciative the family had been for the
care and reassurance they had recevied.
With
rain pouring down in thick sheets, the clinic got off to a slow start
that morning, but as the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, so
too did faces peek around the doors of the clinic and soon enough we
were in full swing. Big family groups attended together, some with
serious illnesses, others just for a health check. It made such a
difference to provide care in a custom made facility, with space and
privacy that is so often lacking in the makeshift clinic
environments. Ultrasounds could be performed on specially made beds
in private rooms, medications displayed on shelves in an ordered
manner, diagnostic equipment layed out in a spacious, easily
accessible way. It was bliss!
Needless
to say, here at Floating Doctors we are both excited and proud to
have reached this milestone. None of it would have been possible
without our volunteers and the many, many people who have shown their
support through donations of money, time, advice, equipment and an
endless stream of encouragement. So, I'll take a few moments to add
my thanks to the huge list of thanks already given; to everyone
involved, past and present. Together we are making a real
difference.