Medical Refugees
As in any primary care service, occasionally patients present with needs greater than what is locally available. For the teams working in the conflict zones of Burma the decision to refer the patient out for tertiary care is complicated. Non ambulatory patients will have to be carried by hand over difficult and dangerous terrain for long distances. Online consultation can supplement the decision making. Digital media in the form of pictures, video, audio, ultrasound images, and microscope images can be sent via the internet to experts around the world who can help give world class advice. If it is decided that further diagnostic or treatment options are still needed, patients can be sent to neighboring countries. Often these tertiary hospitals are happy to provide quality care, provided bills are paid. Patients on the other hand, are far from home for prolonged periods of time. They don’t know the language and are unfamiliar with the technologically advanced Western society. They need assistance every step of the way including help returning home. Earth Mission is blessed with the opportunity to help a limited number of patients with this aspect of their care. Here is one of their stories ...
Cherku Paw
Cherku Paw is an 8 year old girl who was burned when her nylon shirt caught on fire, but did not receive treatment until two years later. In November, 2009, her father carried her three day's walk to FBR medical doctors when he heard they were willing to help. They brought her to an outside referral hospital, where she had extensive surgery to release the scar tissue and apply skin graphs, allowing her to close her mouth and stand up. She remained there during her recovery and eventually returned to her family in Karen State in March, 2010 (below right picture, she is on the far left). She returned in February 2011 for a checkup and will have followup surgery in May to reduce the contractures a bit more on her neck.
