My first week has been eventful.
On the second day of my arrival, I was led by the assistant director to the doctors, where I was assigned to a supervisor.
My supervisor, Dr. Yakubu is just awesome. I have no appropriate words to depict his professional competence now. He is highly experienced and dedicated. I was also introduced to Dr. Huan, from the USA. The Main General surgeon of the Hospital, whose knack for the Mampruli language and humility will let you hold your breath in awe and Dr. Tim also a family Physician from the USA.
I was taken through a quick orientation of the whole hospital set up that very morning.
The hospital has two male wards, two female wards and a pediatric ward which is divided into under 5- year- old and from 5 years and above. There’s a maternity ward which is staffed by midwives. The hospital has an isolation ward for TB and HIV patients. There is a theatre (surgery) where all general surgery cases are performed. The center is also equipped with a small lab, x-ray room, inpatient and outpatient pharmacy, consulting rooms for clinic days and nutritional center and public health department.
The first word I learned on my first day at work is “ ee-JAAAH-ree” meaning welcome and the universal response to greetings is “Naa” This is Mamprusi language spoken by some of the people in the northern part of Ghana especially those in Gambaga, Nalerigu and Walewale.
I started work right after the orientation at the under five years old pediatric ward.
I rounded with Dr. Yakubu as we reviewed old patients in the ward and examined newly admitted patients.
Most of the presenting cases were malaria and malaria complications including cerebral malaria, severe anemia due to malaria with splenomegaly. Though, this season is not malaria prone season. Most diagnoses are made clinically. I could infer that, most of the people in the community and nearby towns are not adhering to malaria prevention methods available such as sleeping in treated mosquito nets, sanitation and also seeking healthcare at the earliest possible time.
It’s paramount that, part of our treatment must focus on patient education and reinforce on compliance with preventive methods available and not delaying in seeking care.
Other presenting cases were diarrhea diseases such as gastroenteritis and dysentery and also malnutrition.
The presenting symptoms were mostly fever, coughing, abdominal pain accompanying with diarrhea, and vomiting.
Virtually all patients with such symptoms will be tested for malaria. The in-patient malaria treatment is Artesunate 2.4 mg/kg administered IV. Blood transfusion for severe anemia and Rehydration and zinc supplementation for diarrhea. I rest here for now and will continue as I progress.