This hospital is still a category 2 hospital, but in November it will most likely

be downgraded to category 1. They have a very dedicate staff and half of the buildings are recently renovated.  The ambulance, however, has been kept as hostage at the mechanic for the past 5 months, because they can’t afford to pay for the repairs.

Should the hospital be downgraded then it is no longer a hospital; only a health clinic. They are missing operation facilities and have not performed operations for years. I could not help wondering about simple things like appendicitis that happens to about 10% of the western population (mainly young people (10-30 years old)). This kind of operation is only performed in the private hospitals of the region, and is not an option for those that cannot afford these. If they are downgraded, the budget is cut even more, and they can forget all about doing surgery in the years to come.  Assistance from us will change everything.

They will mail us a list of needed items. Next we need commitment from the people governing the region, so we know that all supplied equipment will be maintained properly.

In my 2^nd week, I visited the public hospital of Hilongos, which is a solid category 3 hospital where they perform simple operations.  They have a very skilled and dedicated staff as well, but the lack of all kind of equipment really challenges their minds in their fight to manage all their obligations.  Read more about Hilongos District Hospital on our CURRENT PROJECTS.

They will mail us a list of needed items, and we are in dialogue with the municipality of Hilongos.

Late in my vacation, the girlfriend of my brother in law gave birth on a semi-private hospital. She had to go there, because the baby was big, and the doctors expected to perform a caesarean section.  My brother in law turned to me with tears running while he thanked me for the cash we gave them, and which enabled them to go to the hospital. The managed without caesarean section, but both the mother and the child caught infections and had to go back to hospital. After five days they where ready to go home, but were not allowed to leave the hospital until they had paid the bill (PHP 35,000; approximately 5000 DKK) which equals 6-8 months’ normal salary.  Most families are less lucky and have no family abroad that can pay for emergencies like this.

Yet again, Philippines is a fantastic country, with the most fantastic and dedicated people.

But the uncertainty of what happens if you oryour kids get sick is a heavy burden to carry for everyone. So, improving the treatment possibilities for the poor will make their smiles even bigger.