The first Outreach Programme has finished at INF’s new Ear Centre, but the work at the centre has only just begun.
A steady stream of patients visited the new centre over the ten day ear Outreach Programme [formerly called ‘Camps’]. Volunteers from as far as Switzerland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom teamed with INF to assess, clean, operate and care for those who had come in search of healing. Although numbers were lower than those seen at a typical camp scene, partially due to transport restrictions during the current fuel crisis, many times over the week the team affirmed that they were not there to count numbers but to make a difference in the lives of each individual.
Puskar was one such character who became a recipient of INF’s values over the week. One of the first patients at the new Ear Centre, he was dropped off by an uncle on the first day of the hospital opening, having been referred by INF doctor, Shirley Heywood, from the Surkhet Clinic. Puskar, 14, had experienced pain and deafness in his ear since early childhood. At the official opening ceremony on 3 November 2015 Puskar had already had an operation on his right ear, and watched the proceedings from beneath his hooded sweatshirt which was hiding the bandage that was protecting his healing ear.
Usual post-operative procedures require patients to return for a check-up, bandage change and post-operative care lecture on the final day of the camp. Puskar had traveled a long way to Pokhara for the operation and had nowhere to stay so was therefore offered a bed in the male ward for the week’s duration. He soon became a heart-warming encouragement to all the staff and volunteers as he wandered the grounds, offering a smile to all as he gained familiarity and confidence. To keep him entertained over the week Puskar even received visits from INF volunteers and their family to play with him, adding to the joy he has of hearing restored and no more pain. He was very excited on the final day to be returning to his family and friends so he can play football and cricket again.
The hospital will continue to be open now to the public.
PRAY | GIVE | GO | SHARE – Please pray for the team and a smooth start as they work together in the new centre, that people will hear of the Ear Centre’s services and be able to access the centre despite fuel shortages and extra financial burden in the current times. Also pray for the shipment of medical equipment held up at customs in India and for safe transportation over the border in the midst of border tension and the current fuel crisis. To give to the Ear Centre click here.