On December 1, our hospital manager Violet Maghanga took up her full-time position at Rhein-Valley Hospital Healthcenter. The number of patients is increasing every day and basic medication is available.
In the first few weeks, she has already got to know some stories that can be frightening. But the people in Shimba Hills are happy to finally get help and have their illnesses treated.
For example this boy. He suffers from a severe skin rash. It is a mixed viral infection that sometimes causes chickenpox. In most children who fall ill, the high heat is the cause.
Violet Maghanga treated the boy two days after Christmas. He will return to the infirmary in a week’s time so that the progress of his treatment can be monitored.
Cancer patient is referred
At the beginning of December, a patient came to the consultation who was suffering from severe skin changes. Violet Maghanga examined him and suspected that it was skin cancer.
Such a serious illness cannot be treated in the infirmary. The hospital manager arranged for the patient to be examined by a dermatologist and a surgeon. They will advise on further treatment so that the growth of the suspected cancer can be contained or stopped.
The problem is that most people in Shimba Hills cannot afford such specialized treatment. Violet Maghanga is looking for a way in which the patient can possibly be helped in a state hospital. Treatment could be a little more affordable there.
