WHERE ARE ALL THE SALVATION ARMY DOCTORS?

On Monday, we had a full staff meeting. I must admit the thought of this filled me with horror- however it turned out to be very positive. I think things are definitely on the up and people seemed to be pleased to be involved in the strategic planning process and get an up-date on where Chikankata Health Services are in terms of HR, Finances and Clinical Care.

As part of the presentation I gave three things struck me about our statistics;

In the last year we have tested 1774 people for HIV/AIDS. A staggering 944 people have tested positive. Now I know there was no real analysis of these figures in terms of why the % is so high but even as a crude statistic it's a bit worrying.

Almost 1 in 10 of the 6,000 patients died whilst in the hoptial last year. More than half of those who died could, with the right medication and treatment been saved quite easily back home. Many died from diseases that back home would only merit a trip to the GP and then medication from the chemist.

Finally, there are apparently more Zambian doctors working in the UK than in Zambia. A recent figure suggested that there is 0.07 doctor for every 10,000 people. At present at Chikankata we have one doctor for 37,000 people. Chikankata Hospital has built it's reputation on ex-pat SA doctor. There hasn't been an SA doctor at Chikankata for nearly 5 years. Where have all the Salvation Army doctors gone. Maybe they are there but just don't want to come to Chikanata. Where are the Dr Campbells, the Dr Gauntletts, the Dr du Plessis', the Dr Calverts, the Dr Pallants, the Dr Carrolls (to name a few) of the modern generation of Salvationists or Officers.

EVERY ARMY HAS A MEDICAL CORPS - Where's ours gone!