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Published: January 14th 2013
After spending a whole week in Mangalore, and a couple of days in Kushulnagar, it is about time I let you know what I have been doing. We have been kept very busy, as you will have seen from the other team members’ blog entries, so I will try not to repeat anything they have already mentioned!
My host in Mangalore is a laparoscopic surgeon and I was lucky enough to watch him perform two operations and attend his rounds at several hospitals and a private clinic. The main thing that stands out for me is the relationship between the patient and professional. At times, it almost seemed like they were part of one family, as they all spoke to each other with such ease, respect, and friendliness. Even when in pain, or simply concerned about their health, patients always had a smile on their face, and appreciated the doctor’s advice and reassurance.
Although many of the buildings and furnishings I have seen look dated and dirty (i.e. dusty floors, stained linen, etc.), and would not be deemed acceptable in the UK, I was informed that infection rates are lower than in the UK. I looked at a hospital’s infection control policy and was pleased to see its level of detail and clarity. At another hospital, I saw state-of-the-art equipment and facilities and was impressed with an intensive care unit where each patient had their own room and nurse.
The lengthy waiting times we experience in the UK do not exist here. I visited two casualty departments, one on more than one occasion, and I was surprised by how quiet they were. However, I was told that they do get busy, particularly with victims of road traffic accidents. Diagnostic tests and surgical procedures are carried out quickly. In the private clinic my host worked in, patients were able to just walk in and see a consultant.
With a population the size of my county (Cumbria), the vast number, and type, of hospitals in Mangalore is extraordinary. There are also several medical colleges and I caught sight of some students working on a cadaver whilst being shown round one of the colleges!
Aside from the vocational visits, I have enjoyed many activities: a short ride in an auto-rickshaw; a trip to the cinema; an ayurvedic massage; attempting to do the highland fling and play an Indian flute (not at the same time!) in Moodabidri; tasting different flavours of cashew nuts; drinking the best coffee I have ever had in Kushalnagar; and seeing elephants.
The food all of my host families and fellow rotarians have prepared for me has been wonderful and I have really appreciated all their efforts to make sure the food is not too spicy! I am looking forward to seeing everybody again soon at the rotary conference.
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