The Clinic

The Clinic services not only SANKWIA, but the whole of the Lower River Region

Conditions in the clinic were very basic, no running water, no constant or reliable electric supply, rusty iron beds, old torn mattresses, dirty & broken mosquito nets held up by string, no sanitation, basic and outdated equipment and limited basic medication.

…but truly dedicated staff doing the best they can.

Solar Panels

Before the involvement of the charity, the clinic at Soma did not have either a reliable or constant electricity supply. Pregnant women who went into labour late in the evening or during the early hours would have been treated in darkness, or sometimes by candlelight if any were available.

In 2009 the charity provided solar panels which were fitted to the roof of the maternity ward. There is now an adequate lighting system.

The village suffers from a high infant mortality rate. As a charity we are committed to reducing these levels. With this in mind we have employed a “paramedic” who has received some basic training. We also hope to provide some much needed equipment for the Clinic. The provision of such equipment and its transportation to the Gambia, is one of our current priorities.

In January 2010 the clinic benefitted from the digging of a borehole which ensures a constant, supply of clean water read more…

Cataract Fund

A Blind Man’s Song

A poem was posted on the wall outside a ward at the clinic. Representatives of the charity were invited in by the ophthalmic nurse to see the patients.

On entering a lady was seen sat on the edge of her mattress with a huge smile on her face – when asked if she could see she responded with an even bigger smile and said YES.

She had been virtually blind for 2 years.  She had, had the benefit of a simple cataract removal operation.

 

Since I have been blind, I feel bad.
I’m always lonely, no one to see.
It has been dark all round me,
I can’t see you.
I can’t even see my child, or my wife,
husband or love ones.
I can’t farm to keep my self alive
     nor can I fetch water to bath.
   Oh dear for how long will I remain blind

The cost of a cataract removal procedure at the clinic is less than £12, a sum which only a few, better off villagers, can afford

Many of the villagers suffer from eye problems, and the some of older inhabitants have  restricted eyesight as a result of cataracts. In response to this problem the charity, in January 2010,  set up a specific fund. This fund is used to pay for cataract removal and the required aftercare and medication. Since that date over 60 residents of the Lower River Region  have had their eyesight restored to an acceptable level and we have arranged for the cost of a further 122 operations to be carried out in 2011.

Emergency Medical Fund

Sankwians who need more complicated operations or treatment have to make an 8 hour journey to the main hospital in Banjul. The cost of travel is high as is the cost of treatment, medication and aftercare. As a result many cannot afford to pay and do not therefore receive the required treatment.

In January 2010, charity representatives were horrified to see a 15 year old boy witha fractured ankle, which he had sustained about 3 months previously. The fracture was so severe that the broken bone was protruding through the skin. The wound had not healed and was becoming putrid. One of the representatives provided funding for both travel and treatment costs. As a result Abdoulie was operated on and he has made a near total recovery. Without this treatment there is no doubt that  his foot would have  been amputated.  The Cost £9.

As a result of this experience an Emergency Medical Fund had been established. This fund ensures that any villager, who cannot reasonably fund the travel and treatment costs, now receives the required treatment.

In 2011 on attending the clinic, representatives of the charity became aware of the lack of maintenance relating to the clinic building and non medical equipment. Included were sinks that did not work. As until 2010 there had been no running water at the clinic such items had been left without use. It became apparent that the level of maintenance  at the clinic was nearly non existent. According to the head of the clinic they would have the use of a maintenance worker for about a week every three months. It has been decided therefore to fund the employment of a maintenance worker, who will be employed full time at the Soma Health Clinic. In addition a further fund has been provided so that items that cannot be repaired can be replaced. The charity believes that this investment will greatly improve the standards at the Clinic.