3rd week
My eyes continue to be opened to deeper and deeper levels of poverty here. As the financial effects of COVID continue to depress this economy, health care resources are affected also. The national governmental insurance costs from 150-500 shillings a month (roughly $1-$4.00 a month). Many of my Kenyan patients are unable to afford this amount. NHIF is covering less and less procedures pushing the cost of health care onto the family and their tribe. The government is delinquent in making payments to the hospital which pushes the hospital debt greater and greater. Bills aren't paid and hospital suppliers are refusing to provide needed operating room supplies. I have performed a number of cancer biopsies but reports are delayed. NHIF approval which used to take 48 hours now takes weeks. Cancers which were manageable are growing. The picture below is of a patient that sought local herbal remedies for his cancer because medical care was unaffordable.
Patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma starting behind the nose growing into the nasal cavity, through the palate and spreading to the neck.
I have been busy operatively working on many patients for nasal tumors, ear surgeries and tracheostomies for airway management. God is bringing the patients in and making a way for their surgeries. And some times He just takes care of them through medical management.
This family came from Tanzania. The man pictured with the arrow had an extensive infection of the ear canal and mastoid bone. He had facial paralysis secondary to the infection which has been present for 3 months. He had been treated with multiple courses of antibiotics without relief. How he knew to come to Tenwek I don't know. I planned for surgery and while we waited for operating room time I treated him again with antibiotics and topical ear drops. We prayed for him as he was in excruciating pain. He arrived the day before surgery and I reexamined his ear to prepare for the case. The infection was 95% improved. I can not explain this medically and know that God has touched him in an amazing way. I canceled surgery and asked him to stay in country for an additional week to make sure he was completely improved. His follow up a week later off medication showed complete recovery. The family left for home praising God on their way!
Today we went to Kitoben Children's Home. We have had a long term relationship with this orphanage. God has provided for them in amazing ways. We have supported the building of a school so they can teach their children as well as neighboring children. The compound continues to expand. The last 2 class rooms for grades 8 and 9 are being completed. Alice and Samwel have 65 children and teach 135 in the school. Alice is getting her degree at Bible College to equip herself better to raise these children in the ways of the Lord. I am so encouraged to see how God has been faithful to fulfill the vision He has given Alice.
