Bana: The First Doctor Visit

Charity, Philemon and Buckley

It was reported to us that Susan was the first doctor to visit the Bana clinic.

 

 

Buckley and Charity are graduates of the Nazarene College of Nursing.  They are married and have a little boy named Philemon who had his first Birthday while we were in Bana.  Buckley and Charity have been living in Bana for a little over a year now.  This is not their home place but they are living and working in Bana providing basic medical care to thousands spread out over a large area.  They are truly missionaries!  


My part on the team was to see patients as well as to teach, assist and encourage Buckley and Charity. I attempted to assist and encourage by bringing supplies in, discussing some of the common illnesses they see and how to treat and shared with them the new Severe Acute Malnutrition Guidelines.  I was also able to share about Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), a technique for identifying early cervical cancer, with Charity and show her 3 patients exhibiting some of these changes.



Dr. Susan seeing patients.

Patients had been seen and asked to come back for a doctor review weeks prior to our going to Bana.   Many patients came, more than I could see on my own in the 4 days we were there.  The total number of patients I saw personally was approximately 241.  The majority of complaints were of a chronic nature.  I feel my role was primarily to confirm the diagnosis, educate them about their diagnosis, communicate what they can expect in the future and offer them the assurance of God’s love through prayer.



Buckley and the supplies we were able to bring.

Where indicated patients were advised on where to go for further evaluation and treatment as well.  Sadly, the resources for further evaluation and treatment are limited and not easily accessible.   Many patients have  been suffering with illnesses and disabilities as a result of not having easy access to the necessary specialist.  One young man had fallen out of a tree 4 or 5 yrs. ago.  When he went to the Provincial Hospital for help the doctors were all on strike.  He returned to his home about 5 hours away and recovered from the acute trauma. However, he was left unable to walk due to deformities of both feet.  Another gentleman has a huge facial tumor.  He was seen early on in his illness only to be told he needed to go to the capitol city of Pt. Moresby.  Because he could not afford to make the trip to Pt. Moresby he too, returned to his village where his tumor continues to grow.  Surgery at this point would be almost impossible as it involves his entire lower jaw.


My experience in Bana was enlightening.  I am very proud of the work Buckley and Charity are doing and of our Rural Health program.   It was discouraging, however, to see so many people in such desperate circumstances.  I am grateful for the opportunity to have gone and pray my efforts to encourage both the sick that I saw and Buckley and Charity will be used by God in the days to come.  I also pray that healthcare for the people in Bana and throughout the remote areas of PNG will improve in the very near future and that whatever our role, if there is one, will be revealed and acted upon in whatever way God chooses.  May we all have ears to hear!