Clinical patients recently presented with a swallowed needle, ruptured eardrums, a Guinea worm abcess of the forehead, and hearing loss and tinnitus from chloroquin treated malaria. The Karl Storz telescopes were helpful in treating the seamstress who swallowed the needle. Several surgeries were successful but the lack of monitors caused post-operative concern about hypoxia and hypotension. Tyco-Nellcor and Respironics pulse oximeters will be put to good use. Electrical failures are frequent and I should have listened to Dr. Chang's suggestion of accepting Surgitel's battery powered headlight. Road accident deaths are numerous; it is foolish to be on the road a night.
I found the hospital to be full of broken medical equipment which was previously donated without provisions for maintenance. Today, 80 % of this old otolaryngology equipment had to be discarded because it was beyond repair. A section of the roof has been leaking and because of the recent heavy rains, the audiology suite was flooded. During the roof's repair, the hospital's main electrical cables were found to be rotten - a potential fire hazard and possible hospital closure. An electrician is due to evaluate.
I have bee bringing in new equipment gradually from an off-site warehouse. Now that the ear, nose and throat departmetn has more space, we can bring in additional supplies once security is assured.