More Smells than Whistles and Bells-- Ugandan hospitals

August 15

We then went to Ibanda and stayed at the Catholic parish there. We were a bit disappointed by the lack of hot water. Sarah didn't seem to notice-- she was thrilled to find water in the first place. Outside of her little bathing pail, that is.

Monday morning, we toured the Kagongo (Ibanda) hospital and were graciously hosted by Sr. Vennie, who gave us an excellent tour. We learned that 50% of births there were done by Caesarean section (although that cost a steep $15), and that malaria, hypertension, and diabetes were common. Not much congestive heart failure, however, made it in. Most of the children's ward consisted of malaria related problems, except for a young boy with a perforated gut (Choleara).
We then saw the hospital's babies home, where about 15 freshly washed and vaseline polished naked toddlers met us. We learned that many of their mothers were dead due to birth complications. Others were abandoned by roadsides or down latrines. Extended families usually accept them after the age of three, when they begin carrying water and finding firewood.

We then drove to the second largest town in Uganda, Mbarara, where the sole western restaurant still served an awfully Ugandan potato salad and a meatloaf- like burger. Sarah thought it was great because her already low standards have by now collapsed under the weight of mounds of steamed bananas.

That evening, we stayed in the Rhino hotel in town where, despite undulating electricity, we had 1 Tilapia, chopped in three, with potatoes and rice (the exact order). There had to be two starches, only one was unheard of. While she munched contentedly on her fish head, I told Sarah about my medical experiences with fish bone retractions.

Tuesday morning, after a late start and Al Jazeera news (another of Sarah's favorites), we headed to a center for handicapped children. We were impressed by the acumen of the professional staff-- which included many more ancillary medical personnel than medical doctors. After a short talk with the occupational therapist, the administrator took us on a short tour. Local people believe that evil spirits on the mothers side cause disability. In turn, mothers isolate or starve their “special needs” children. This was deeply disturbing.