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Medical Mission
ROSA
MYSTICA V
organised
by ACIM ASIA
Manila, Philippines
July 25 - July 29, 2011
Day Two: July 26, 2011
The
Mother of Mercy welcomes them all with her Divine Child
Church and State working in harmony!
Yesterday, at 2330, a small earthquake occurred North of Manila. Some
volunteers continued to sleep on, while others presumed that their friends
in the same room were simply snoring.
From morning, we were welcomed by a torrential rain; it was due simply to a typhoon which was raging to the north of Luzon Island, where we are. The roads were flooded and the government blocked public transport and schools. For this reason, some patients were unable to access the mission. One of our reporters visited and was deeply moved by a shanty-town that was particularly affected by the floods; certain inhabitants, with smiles on their lips, explained that they had to remain at home to keep an eye on the cardboard walls of their houses; others had the courage to come without fear of the water which came up to their knees.
I was waiting for this for so long...
Medical treatment continued as usual despite the climate. The military was always to their duty; they directed the logistics, kept order in the mission, carried the heavy packages of medicine and distributed biscuits; when time was scarce they were caught requesting vitamins for their own children. They even demanded the imposition of the scapular. It was touching to see these soldiers in military fatigues kneeling down humbly before the priest who blessed them.
Our
head nurse, Miss Yolly Gamutan (right)
who is the backbone of this whole mission seeking some information
from Carmen (center), our Swiss volunteer.
Korean Eun-Jee on the left is never idle.
We had certain medical cases that were particularly of note:
--A poor woman went to Dr. Dickès with swollen legs. On examination it is discovered she had significant oedema that was tied up to malnutrition. She also explained that she had taken strong doses of a diuretic for the treatment of a heart problem.
-- A person presented herself with a radiographic negative dating to a year ago together with having a case of bloody sputum from that time on. The doctor discovered to his surprise the name of a Koch bacillus that was inscribed on the negative. For lack of money and her requiring a treatment that had to be paid for, she was unable to obtain treatment for her tuberculosis from us although she was referred to the TB hospital
--A young man had some difficulties breathing. Tuberculosis was suspected again and the complementary treatment ordered. Under diverse pretexts the patient tries to leave on a number of occasions. His wife joins him, and on crying, finishes by confessing to the doctor that they do not have enough money to pay for the hospital fees. When she learns that the mission will bear all of the costs, she cries once more, this time with emotion. The handkerchiefs were not sufficient when we assured her of our prayers for her family!
Today’s events reinforced the ties between the volunteers who came from all four corners of the globe. The day was concluded with Mass and the rosary, and each one profited from a saving repose later on.
The military dentists treat around 70 patients per day.
In
the forefront, the vital signs taken; center left, the military barbers;
in the center far away, the dentists; center right, the pediatricians.
The general practitioners are in another building
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