This week we finally got to start our internship at CHUK a teaching hospital. I intern in the Gynecology Department and it has been a fascinating experience. I have been able to observe both doctors and residences at the hospital. I get to do clinical rotations with the residence and learn about the common illnesses that effect women in this community. CHUK is a referral hospital so the have some of the worse cases that District Hospital can't handle. So we see many women with pre-eclampsia, peritonitis and other complications. I have been able to observe Caesarean section (C-section), hysterectomies, and other surgeries. Watching the surgeries is honestly the best part. There are many differences from how the hospitals are run here compared to the hospitals that I have volunteered at in the U.S. One major difference is sterilization and sanitation. The reason that many women come to this hospital with complications is due to poor sanitation at District Hospitals. CHUK does better with sanitation than District Hospitals but it can also do a lot to improve its sanitation. For example, I notices their was a tea area (were the doctors/residence drink tea and coffee) right out side the operating room (OR). The only thing separating the tea room and the OR is a door that is constantly being opened and closed and the smell of iron from the blood hits you every time the door opens. Also, many people including nurses, midwives, anesthesiologist, and interns are constantly flowing in and out of the OR. There are many other concerns about sanitation that I have noticed. In addition, the hospital is also understaffed and there are not enough beds for patients. Also patients can't get their test results or bandages changed unless they pay so those who are low income are poorly treated. Other than that, the hospital is nice and has well-trained physicians and technology. However, the hospital doesn't use electronic health records, everything is on paper. I can't wait to learn more about the Rwandan health care system while I am here.
I got these pictures off google, but they show exactly what the hospital looks like.