Tuesday, February 14, 2006

TB,VCTC,Inpatient expansion

Here is a wee work update, as promised. There is a lot going on! Our patients often have TB, and at present they are referred to the government system for free treatment, which is great that there is that service, but means their care becomes more fragmented and complicated. Because of this Andi (who runs JSK) is keen to put a proposal forward for us to become a government funded centre for TB. This is still in embryonic stages, with not much on paper, but your prayers would be appreciated as to whether this is God's will. It would mean a rapid expansion, and sideways shift somewhat, as it would open our doors beyond HIV to the general public more.
Secondly, and related to the above, is the idea to also become a government recognised testing centre for HIV. We have positive feedback from one funding agency to help this move forward. If the first plan succeeds, and we stard treating for TB, then many of those people will need HIV testing, and it is a long way for people to go at present for testing. (It can be done locally, but is very expensive, so it is better resource management for people to go to the government centres).
The third thing we really need is more space, as already we have had to add another in-patient bed in our centre, which means I have lost my desk!!! I have drawn up plans for a first floor extension to the current premesis, and now we need planning permission. Please pray for this to go ahead quickly. We will get some of the current Lok Hospital premesis when we build the new Hospital, but our need is more urgent than that!

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