During the past several weeks, the challenges have again escalated beyond imagination. On November 11, the fourth prime minister this year in Haiti was sworn into office. That same day, gunfire penetrated a Spirit Airlines plane on its final approach to Port au Prince airport. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, and the plane was able to divert to Santiago, Dominican Republic. On further analysis, it was noted that American Airlines and JetBlue also sustained damage from gunfire that day. Not surprisingly, all flights to Port au Prince are now suspended. It is uncertain when they can safely resume as there are very few security measures that can assure this will not happen in the future.
Doctors Without Borders suspends operations
Doctors Without Borders, known as Médecins Sans Frontiers (MSF), announced that as of November 20, they are suspending operations at their two main facilities in the Port au Prince metropolitan area. This came in the wake of several threats of rape and murder by the Haitian police to MSF staff members while transporting patients. One MSF ambulance was attacked by Haitian police and others who tear-gassed the staff, slashed the tires, and executed the two patients they were transporting. MSF has been providing charity medical care for over 30 years in Haiti. “We accept working in conditions of insecurity, but when even law enforcement becomes a direct threat, we have no choice but to suspend admissions of patients in Port au Prince until the conditions are met for us to resume,” said Christophe Garnier, the charity’s head of mission in Haiti.
Given that MSF is still working in some of the most intense conflict areas in the world, but not in Haiti puts our situation into perspective.
HAH still providing care regardless of ability to pay
It is a miracle that HAH is still functioning, and it speaks to the devotion and perseverance of people like Dr. Jimmy, our general surgeon, who sent me this message a few days ago: HAH is the only private hospital in Haïti that receives patients without money… Yesterday, there was a 25-year-old patient with bad blunt abdominal trauma. He was at another hospital, but they did not do the surgery because of money. He came to see us at HAH, and we did the surgery for him. There was a 65-year-old patient with constrictive pericarditis, and I did a pericardiectomy for her. So, HAH is very important. We cannot stop working. But the conditions are very difficult.
Dr. Jimmy confirming available supplies before an operation.
Yesterday, I had a videoconference meeting with MSF leadership. We collaborate with them in several ways. Despite their much more extensive infrastructure, they refer many patients to us for specialized surgical care, especially orthopedic cases. They also contract HAH laundry to wash the linens for their facility in Carrefour. This has allowed us to keep additional people employed, expand our hospital laundry, and generate a small amount of additional revenue.
Pharmacy staff try to plan ahead for stocking medications.
Supply chain and maintenance challenges
Our biggest challenges at the moment are supply chain and maintenance of critical equipment. This week, we ran out of gauze. The vendors have run out of gauze. The port is closed. The airport is closed. The risks of moving freely about the city often preclude us from obtaining needed items even if they are available.
Thankfully, we have been able to produce all of our own oxygen at HAH for the last two years and even have enough to sell to other facilities in the area. We have two pumps that fill cylinders to 2200psi, one of which needs repairs that are not available in country. We are trying to arrange for someone to carry this small item in a knapsack over the land border from the Dominican Republic. Fortunately, we continue to produce 55psi wall oxygen for our hospital, which supplies the OR, ER, and newly remodeled ward.
We are also in the process of purchasing two new hospital electrical generators. We have made the purchase, and the units are in stock, but delivery is a big challenge. We found a driver who would pack them in the front of a shipping container and add several layers of cement blocks and heavy construction materials behind them to avoid being hijacked. It is not cheap, and there is still some risk, but we have no other option.
The maintenance crew ensures a continuous supply of oxygen, water, and electricity.
No small miracle
We are thankful for the infrastructure and accountability structures we have created over the past several years. Now, it is being put to the test. Jere Chrispens (CEO) and myself (CMO) in California and Mackenson Christophe (COO) in Haiti are in constant communication regarding financial, infrastructure, security, and medical issues.
Today, in the midst of conflict, people are getting life-saving and life-changing operations, having babies, and receiving much-needed medical care at HAH. We continue to receive more and more patients who do not have adequate resources to pay for their care. We do not turn any of them away.
Yes, it is no small miracle that HAH is still alive, but the Lord’s continued blessings are not likely to be as abundant if we do not do our part. Now, even purchasing an oxygen hose or delivering a generator is becoming more complicated and costly. Please keep HAH in mind when making end-of-year charitable donations. When reading the news about Haiti, you may feel like your donations would disappear into a black hole, but we assure you that at HAH, they are much appreciated and being used to save lives and relieve suffering. We thank you for your continued prayers and support.
The imaging department provides a vital service for our patients.
The dental clinic provides high-quality care and is the only dental care available to those without resources in our area.
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Dr. Nelson– I was wondering how you’re doing. I asked our church mission pastor about Haiti. I’ll print your letter for him and ask our pastor staff to pray for your Haiti team. God’s work continues to be done in Haiti despite the challenges. Personally I’m glad you’re here, but I know your heart is there. In the New Testament God used a dream and in another instance, circumstances to direct Paul. I believe God is using circumstances to direct you.
Tonight my husband & I are having dinner with people who were in our young adult Sunday school class– many years ago 😃.