Egyptian convoy dispenses 'health for all'
Posted by Tony Gilmore
Residents of Siwa, Egypt, have a clearer view of their spectacular landscape because of the Rotary Club of Alexandria Mariout. During last year's medical convoy to the area, ophthalmologists treated more than 130 patients and performed 23 operations - 19 of them to correct cataracts.
The convoy, now in its fourth year, offers the only opportunity for eye surgeries in the remote Sahara oasis, given that neither the local hospital nor other medical groups provide this service, says 2006-07 club president Mohammed Abdel Gawad. He's witnessed a significant drop in cataract cases since the club began sending a team to Siwa four years ago.
"In 2003, we treated 57 cataract cases. In 2004, the number had dropped to 36. And this past year, we had only 19 cases," says Gawad, an orthopedics professor at Alexandria University. In addition to vision care, the team of 17 doctors, five nurses, four medical students, two pharmacists, and a technician provided dental, internal medicine, orthopedic, and pediatric care, to name a few of their contributions. Polio vaccinations also were given to 100 children. In all, the convoy treated 1,279 patients and performed 86 operations during the 11-15 December event dubbed "Health for All."
The Alexandria Mariout club gave 40,000 Egyptian pounds to cover the convoy's expenses, and physicians donated their time and expertise. All but one of the medical team members were Alexandria University faculty. Four were Rotarians from the Rotary clubs of Alexandria, Alexandria Mariout, and Alexandria-Ramleh.
Other members of the Alexandria Mariout club and the Rotary Club of Gezira Sporting, along with Rotaractors from the Rotaract Club of Alexandria Mariout, accompanied the convoy. They helped register patients, distribute medication, and arrange hotel accommodations and meals. "This is the role of nongovernmental organizations like Rotary," says Gawad. "To help those in need to enjoy a better life through better health."
"In 2003, we treated 57 cataract cases. In 2004, the number had dropped to 36. And this past year, we had only 19 cases," says Gawad, an orthopedics professor at Alexandria University. In addition to vision care, the team of 17 doctors, five nurses, four medical students, two pharmacists, and a technician provided dental, internal medicine, orthopedic, and pediatric care, to name a few of their contributions. Polio vaccinations also were given to 100 children. In all, the convoy treated 1,279 patients and performed 86 operations during the 11-15 December event dubbed "Health for All."
The Alexandria Mariout club gave 40,000 Egyptian pounds to cover the convoy's expenses, and physicians donated their time and expertise. All but one of the medical team members were Alexandria University faculty. Four were Rotarians from the Rotary clubs of Alexandria, Alexandria Mariout, and Alexandria-Ramleh.
Other members of the Alexandria Mariout club and the Rotary Club of Gezira Sporting, along with Rotaractors from the Rotaract Club of Alexandria Mariout, accompanied the convoy. They helped register patients, distribute medication, and arrange hotel accommodations and meals. "This is the role of nongovernmental organizations like Rotary," says Gawad. "To help those in need to enjoy a better life through better health."