HEALTH

Madagascar School Project's doctors receive donated medications.

Health

With the nearest doctor 45 minutes away on foot, we realized early on that we needed a doctor to support our students and villagers. 

We had a small medical clinic and employed a doctor who lived and worked at the school during the week. He treated everyone, whether or not they could pay for his services. Our waiting room was often full, especially in winter when pneumonia is common.

Now we have built a large facility and will soon have a doctor seven days a week and a part-time dentist. We thank our Canadian donors who provided scholarships for two young men to become doctors.  Now they give back by practicing in our clinic.

We also have an emergency room nurse who opens the clinic each day and takes care of minor ailments. She and her son live right at the school along with many of our teachers and the principal.

We were blessed to have a visit from a volunteer international health organization, in the past, that brought seven doctors to treat people for no cost over an eight-day period. Line-ups of people from a seven-mile radius began at 5:00 am each day.

We provide donated medications such as vitamins, antibiotics, and painkillers that our doctor prescribes. Previously, treatment was often out of the question since villagers simply don't have the money for bus fares to the city or to pay high pharmacy prices.

Health

Health

Every two years we bring an ophthalmologist to the village for eye exams and to fit students and villagers with prescription eyeglasses. 

Parents are sometimes reluctant to accept the gift of eyeglasses for their children since they know they can't afford to replace them. We tell them that we will do all we can to keep students supplied with glasses until they can earn their own living.