Measles Epidemic, Tylenol shortage and much more!

There has been much happening over the past few months!  We'll just give you a few highlights!
Back in May we began seeing a few cases of measles.  Then a few more...and a few more...and then lots more!  We are still seeing measles although it seems to finally be slowing down.  You know we don't see much measles in the US. In my 3 years of residency training, I  remember just one case. Because it was such a rare occasion, the patient was brought to a meeting with all the residents in attendance in order that we could all see the characteristic signs!  It's more than just a little rash and a fever.  Measles can be a deadly disease. Pray for those still being affected by it.

So, during this time when we were seeing lots and lots of measles who tend to have high fevers for 7 - 10 days, we had no liquid Tylenol or equivalent. It becomes a bit tricky to get the doses correct when you have to start cutting tablets into halves and quarters.  A W&W team from Medford, Oregon was within a couple of days of departing the US to come here when it came to me to ask them if they would have space for a few bottles of liquid Tylenol.  They were more than happy to help!  They brought over 100 bottles which we continue to use on the ward and in the ER!

Sr. Alfreda, Pharmacy Supervisor

Then there was our oxygen shortage.  We ran out of oxygen and the company in Mt Hagen where we fill our bottles had none. Sadly, several children on the pediatric ward died during this time.  God has spoken to the hearts of some and we are now in the process of securing more oxygen concentrators for times like this.  We previously had several units but with the dirty power we were getting, before the new hydro generator was built, a lot of our machines had been destroyed.  We are reminded again to give God praise and thanks for our new hydro system and for willing hearts ready to be used by Him whenever called upon!
Nazarene Hospital is also in the midst of several building projects.  Pray for His guidance and for wise decisions each step of the way. This is His ministry and we want to do it His way and His timing!!

New Operating Theater

Soon to come will be a fully functioning second operating theater, more housing for our staff, an extension to the Emergency Room and more clinic space for our doctor's in the outpatient department.