Dr. Katherine Gross our only paediatrician on our mission has been very busy at the Gamby Hospital but still found time to accept an invitation to visit the Pediatric Ward at the Bahir Dar Public Hospital. Tshai, Jean, Dr. Destaw and I tagged along.
As seen below, the building is new, it is only 2 years old, but is now overcrowded with mothers and babies and family members. Many expectant mothers were waiting in the hallways. Newborn babies were sharing a gurney in the hallway, with an expectant mother. They are coping with on average, 40 births a day. They have some equipment but most of it doesn’t work and will remain in a state of disrepair.
The Paediatric and Maternity Hospital. It is only 2 years old but is overcrowded.
Newborn babies on a gurney in the hospital hallway.
The equipment looks good but…
From left to right, Tshai, two nurses, the head nurse and Dr. Kathy Gross in a picture taken after a conversation regarding the needs of this hospital. Even though it is a teaching hospital, their needs are great.