In the light of how Singaporeans responded to the bed crunch situation we are facing in local hospitals, I felt prompted to share about my hospital visitation when I was in Rwanda, East Africa.
I had the opportunity to visit the main teaching hospital in Kigali (CHUK pronounced as Say-Hash-Kah; French pronunciation) to tour the various departments and understand healthcare system of Rwanda. The moment I stepped into the hospital wards, I was struck by the country's urgent need for proper healthcare.
The physical environment wasn’t conducive for ongoing monitoring and treatment. Due to the lack of chairs, the relatives and friends of the patients had to sit with the patient on the same bed. Most of the times, there were more than 5 people seated on the same bed. In such a cramped condition, it was almost impossible for the healthcare workers to assist with the treatments of the patients.
The infection control was a major concern. Dirty oxygen masks would be reused on patients. Some syringes (not needles) were reused between patients. A few basins were seen along the common corridor but there wasn’t any soap or hand towel. Nurses washed their hands inconsistently between patients’ contact. Hand sanitizer could only be found in the paediatric ward and operating theatre.
Gaining exposure to the third world medical system puts a brand new perspective on the healthcare I enjoy in Singapore. There was a severe lack of funds needed for the patients to receive proper healthcare, thus, the patients could only receive care and treatment with incredibly limited resources.
The hospital was experiencing bed crunch situation as well. Unfortunately, the patients could only be discharged on Mondays even though some may be fit enough to be discharged before Monday. This was due to the lack of medical staff. What encouraged me the most was the spirit of the Rwandans. They were not picky or demanding. They did not complain when they didn't have enough hospital beds to accommodate the number of inpatients. Some even had their designated mattress on the floor while waiting for the next available bed. They simply made do with what they had.
It was difficult to return to a more privileged and luxurious country. I was awestruck by the Rwandans’ spirit. They taught me what real contentment and gratitude mean, pushing me closer to Jesus Christ and His truth. Visiting Kigali hospital has given me a new outlook on how we view what is important to us. I recognised our impoverished soul and how spiritually wealthy the people in Rwanda are.
I had the opportunity to visit the main teaching hospital in Kigali (CHUK pronounced as Say-Hash-Kah; French pronunciation) to tour the various departments and understand healthcare system of Rwanda. The moment I stepped into the hospital wards, I was struck by the country's urgent need for proper healthcare.
The physical environment wasn’t conducive for ongoing monitoring and treatment. Due to the lack of chairs, the relatives and friends of the patients had to sit with the patient on the same bed. Most of the times, there were more than 5 people seated on the same bed. In such a cramped condition, it was almost impossible for the healthcare workers to assist with the treatments of the patients.
The infection control was a major concern. Dirty oxygen masks would be reused on patients. Some syringes (not needles) were reused between patients. A few basins were seen along the common corridor but there wasn’t any soap or hand towel. Nurses washed their hands inconsistently between patients’ contact. Hand sanitizer could only be found in the paediatric ward and operating theatre.
Gaining exposure to the third world medical system puts a brand new perspective on the healthcare I enjoy in Singapore. There was a severe lack of funds needed for the patients to receive proper healthcare, thus, the patients could only receive care and treatment with incredibly limited resources.
The hospital was experiencing bed crunch situation as well. Unfortunately, the patients could only be discharged on Mondays even though some may be fit enough to be discharged before Monday. This was due to the lack of medical staff. What encouraged me the most was the spirit of the Rwandans. They were not picky or demanding. They did not complain when they didn't have enough hospital beds to accommodate the number of inpatients. Some even had their designated mattress on the floor while waiting for the next available bed. They simply made do with what they had.
It was difficult to return to a more privileged and luxurious country. I was awestruck by the Rwandans’ spirit. They taught me what real contentment and gratitude mean, pushing me closer to Jesus Christ and His truth. Visiting Kigali hospital has given me a new outlook on how we view what is important to us. I recognised our impoverished soul and how spiritually wealthy the people in Rwanda are.
