Reality

The hospital was built by the British for a population of 6 million, it now serves 34 million. There are patients literally lying outside the wards, waiting for a bed to be vacant. As they can't afford the hospital canteen, there are lots of picnics going on...

I visited ICU, they have 4 ventilated beds. (We have >12 at RSCH, with more to follow very soon). The ENT list didn't start till 11am today - the hospital water supply didn't work, a frequent problem. No morphine, nitrous oxide or air gases in theatre either, short supply. Everything is recycled, they always have to make to do with what they have. Mandy & Janet are trying to introduce the concept of a WHO check and educate the theatre staff basic surgical safety, they have a long way to go...

San has listed 6 patients tomorrow, I don't think we will get through them, the first one is 3 days old. It just takes forever to get anything done in theatre...


Bhav