Darfur: Sudanese doctor treats 150 patients a day
POSTED: June 1, 2007
By Sarah Pate
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Madina always dreamed about being a doctor. Today, she helps treat 150 patients a day at the Otash refugee camp.
Since July 2006, OBI and German partner, Humedica, have been running the medical clinic at Otash, providing thousands of refugees with free health care, antibiotics, immunizations and more.
Refugees are given blankets, tarps and cooking utensils.
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DARFUR, Sudan - Since she was a little girl, Madina always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but never quite like this.
Today, the 28-year-old doctor's daily rotation at the OBI-supported medical clinic in Otash refugee camp covers an average of 150 patients a day, with diagnoses that run the gamut from viral infections to diarrhea.
"Sometimes it's 200 patients…sometimes less," Dr. Madina says with a smile. "But I don't get tired. I'm a doctor, so I adapt."
In the neighboring room, separated by a bamboo wall, the shrill cry of 2-month-old Sumaya can be heard. She's being vaccinated against tuberculosis. Dr. Madina smiles and continues the tour of her clinic. This is her domain and she is clearly proud of her work.
She shares the medical responsibilities with her medical assistant, Omar, who checks patients' vitals and, if needed, refers them directly to Dr. Madina.
In the infectious area, one room over, four out of seven beds are occupied. Two young girls lay quietly on their father's laps, waiting patiently for the sickness to take its course and leave their weakened bodies.
"Jaundice," says Dr. Madina as she points in the direction of Halima. The 35-year-old woman is recovering from Hepatitis E while her 10-week-old newborn lies on her grandmother's lap in the next bed.
Halima's eyes are a murky yellow – a sign that her liver is still struggling to rid the body of its toxins.
"We must wait – it will take time," said a confident Dr. Madina. "Everyday, we continue to educate the patients on hygiene and have successfully controlled this outbreak of hepatitis."
Dr. Madina was born in Darfur, received her education in Khartoum, and returned home to Darfur where she has been practicing medicine at the Otash refugee camp for the last two years.
Since July 2006, Operation Blessing and German partner, Humedica, have been running the medical clinic at Otash, providing thousands of refugees with free health care, antibiotics, immunizations and more.
And with Dr. Madina at the helm, it's not just about quality medical care. It's also about compassion. She makes it personal, gently touching their foreheads as she passes by their beds.
"In a way, I am suffering with them," she says.
How You Can Help
You can take part in helping Sudan's refugees by making an online donation toward OBI's "Crisis in Darfur" fund. With your support, OBI can continue to provide food, medical care and more to thousands of hurting refugees.
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