Visit to the Diana Dispensary, Ditima - March 2011
Together with Hayo van der Ploeg, Chairman of the Foundation and Koen Stanton my son, who together with Jacqueline Pashley were responsible for the building of the dispensary in 2009/2010.
I initiated the visit in March this year to
a) evaluate the current use and condition of the dispensary and amenities
b) analyze the status and development of the medical support and
c) put in place further improvement and maintenance projects.
On arrival at the dispensary, we were pleasantly surprised with the condition of the building the staff house and all the basic functions were operational.
When I say that all basic functions were operational - patients were being treated, clinical officer Japheth S. Bleki 15 patients per day (registered) and the nurse probably 20 to 30 patients per day.
Medical supplies are ordered and delivered on a regular basis.
There is running water (the pump is working), the solar system electric light for the night hours.
What we did find somewhat disturbing was the lack of maintenance carried out on the off-sites - toilets, septic tank, sewage etc.
The staff house is almost finished - however, still no electricity via solar system, septic tank, soak pit, toilets not yet finished.
During a visit to the Bariadi District Offices we met with Mr. Philip Hella (District Executive Director), Mr. John Assey (District Medical Officer) and Mr.P.Ndarugiliya (Acting District Engineer).
My personal thanks to the District Management for their continual support and commitment.
We discussed at length the status of this project; who needs to do what, who will finance and carry out the work - completion, and further maintenance.
We also took this opportunity to introduce our friend on the ground in Bariadi district, Stephen Nkonya - he represents the foundation and will follow through the activity plan with the district.
Since returning from Tanzania I have issued a report, with recommendations and planning to the Foundation - subsequently the content has been agreed.
We have communicated the contents of the report to the District Offices and Stephen Nkonya.
We are now in the process of executing the recommendations.
In concluding I must say that this visit was enlightening in more ways than one - first and foremost having people on the ground representing the foundation more or less guarantees a successful project - Koen and Jacqueline during the construction and Stephen with the follow up. I sincerely hope that due to this success the foundation can win over more sponsors to fund other similar projects with the objective of helping our friends in the Bariadi district.
Tony Stanton
