Essential funds for Meru district hospital

Hi friends and family,

Currently we are completing a volunteering internship in Arusha, Tanzania. We are 3 newly qualified physiotherapists, and we hope to make a difference here. Meru district hospital is experiencing a severe lack of funding resulting in shocking working conditions where necessary equipment, hygiene standards and medical supplies are below acceptable levels.

Physiotherapy in Meru hospital is not government funded therefore thousands of people are unable to afford necessary treatment. Patients that come to physiotherapy are responsible for paying for their own medical supplies and investigations including X-rays, MRI scans and CT scans all of which are essential for basic treatment. This results in many people living in constant pain and a decrease in quality of life leading to difficulty with basic everyday tasks, especially earning an income and household chores.

The physiotherapists working here have taken an extra workload in the outpatient department doing the work of orthopaedic doctors. During our first day we were working in the inpatient department where we treated a woman who had a stroke 7 days prior to admission. Due to lack of funds, she could not afford an essential CT scan which devastatingly meant she could not receive lifesaving medication and subsequently passed away. It was difficult for us to experience this as had this occurred back home, she would have received the CT scan and medication leading to a significant increase in her chances of survival.

This has come as a shock for us as it is something we have all taken for granted, especially in the NHS and HSE. For one physiotherapy appointment in Tanzania, it costs the equivalent to £1.50 which many people still cannot afford.

The aim of the Gofund me account is to raise enough money to start up a fund for the most disadvantaged individuals who require essential treatment. The secondary aim is to provide essential equipment for the department including walking aids, therapy beds and orthotic equipment.

Thank you for reading. Any donations would not go unnoticed and will make such a huge difference here in Arusha.

Below we have attached some images to highlight the conditions we are facing.

Love,

Emma, Rachel and Tara.