Day of Community Medicine attending an outreach health post. This centre is funded and is free of charge. We reached the village by a converted jeep ambulance within around 1 hour drive from Pokhara climbing altitude up rural lanes, passed landslides and crossing waterfalls. When we arrived the people were already waiting outside and they were really happy to see us.
Patients mostly came in with a viral fever, where various family members were affected. Other complaints included acid peptic disease, loose stools, bump on the head (?) and pregnancy checkups. People often did not come with a specific problem; they often complained of a whole list of problems such as pain in the foot, abdomen, head and eyes.
The four main items used were a sphygmomanometer (to measure blood pressure), a stethoscope, a real mercury thermometer and a torch. I helped to take these vital signs and I must say my confidence in taking a blood pressure has certainly increased today! I also got to practice my minimal Nepali and could get to the point to find out what the problem was, but afterwards fell into a silent gap. I asked one pregnant lady whether she was having a baabu (boy) or a naani (girl) but was told that sex determination is illegal in Nepal. Anyway I tried and the doctor said she was impressed so all is good.
It was quite busy and by the end of the afternoon we must have seen the entire village! I was happy to see that the doctor could actually mean something for the people here and they were greatly thankful.
Very proud of you for doing this !! Well done !! xxxx
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