GHAZNI PROVINCE – Ghazni PRT travelled to the district of Kwaji Omari to bring much needed medical supplies to the clinic, and to conduct an engineering assessment for equipping the clinic with alternative energy capabilities, Jan. 30.
Due to a recent increase of insurgent activity in a neighboring district, there's been a growing number of patients being seen in the clinic. Subsequently, medical supplies were running dangerously low, driving the need for replenishment.
The boxes brought to the clinic contained items such as antibiotics, analgesics, pediatric medications, infant formula, cereal products for toddlers, and contraceptives for women. “The items were purchased locally from a pharmacy in Ghazni City, so we could put money back into the community,” said Navy Lt. Joseph Baugh, physician’s asst assigned to Ghazni PRT.
Unlike previous years, insurgents haven't left the surrounding villages for the winter. Due to the increased ops to counter those militants, the Kwaji Omari clinic has seen more patients from other villages, as well. “The people in the adjacent villages are too afraid to use their own clinics so they travel here to Kwaji Omari,” explained Baugh. “This clinic only receives a limited amount of supplies from the non-governmental org. that sponsors them, and they’ve run out.”
“It’s the cleanest clinic you’ll find in Ghazni, and extremely well managed,” said Baugh. The clinic boasts 2 midwives, making it a better staffed clinic than most others in the prov.
The facility is also being considered for possible implementation of solar energy collection capabilities. “The previous PRT donated an incubator,” said Baugh. “When we asked them why it was still in the box, they explained that they don’t have enough energy from the generator to run it.” The clinic houses additional high-tech, modern equipment which also remains inoperable due to fuel issues.
A proposal was initiated through one of the many USAID funded programs to provide assistance to the clinic in obtaining alternative means for generating power. The new solar equipment could potentially generate enough energy to power not just the clinic, but may also support a nearby girl’s school.
