Medical Care in Haiti

The rudimentary level of medical care in this poverty stricken country can only be appreciated by directly experiencing it. The ability to obtain any advanced diagnostic studies is extremely limited. There is essentially no critical care services in the 200 bed hospital we are based at. The concept of a post-anesthesia recovery unit is non-existent. Simple interventions for patient safety such as oxygen monitoring are again, extremely limited.

The majority of the patients we are currently taking care of have sustained crush injuries to the extremities. The orthopedic surgeons are busy stabilizing fractures, and the general/trauma surgeons are managing complex wounds. The nurses have established a make-shift recovery area which can serve as a potential critical care area as well. Our ability to provide even basic level of care is handcuffed by a lack of supplies. Basic things such as IV equipment, oxygen regulators, pulse oximetry, casting materials are needed badly. There is no role for advanced interventions here. Although our immediate goal is providing life and limb saving care, we are also trying to provide sustainable care that can continue once these incredible relief efforts ease.

We are truly honored to be taking care of such a humble but proud people. Thank you.

Rajan Gupta, MD
Team Leader, Dartmouth Haiti Relief Response Team One
Director of Trauma, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center