tzu chi international medical associationapp.tzuchi.com.tw/file/tcmed/201108-12e/72-93.pdf · tzu...
Post on 02-Aug-2018
243 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
Tzu Chi Worldwide Medical Missions
Tzu Chi International Medical Association
Tzu Chi Zamboanga
2010.10.10
10 Years of Restoring Hope, Rebuilding Lives with Great Love
Written by Erika Vizcarra
A decade of accumulating goodness
by using great love in easing the suffering
of the sick and the poor in a war-torn city
was one joyous cause of celebration for
the volunteers of Tzu Chi Foundation,
Philippines Zamboanga Liaisons Office on
the magical date of October 10, 2010.
On its 10th anniversary celebration on
October 10, 2010, Tzu Chi Foundation,
Philippines’ Liaisons Office in Zamboanga
City in the island of Mindanao paved
way for more blessings to flow in their
homeland as it donates an advanced
blood bankequipment, which worth over
2 million Peso, to the local chapter of
Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).
Af ter f ind ing out that the loca l
chapter of PNRC only had one small
household freezer used to store donated
blood and plasma which is used to treat
dengue patients especially those with
complicat ions, Tzu Chi Zamboanga
volunteers immediately sent out messages
to solicit for funds for the purchase of
blood bank equipment such as brand new
plasma freezer, autoclave, platelet agitator,
Tzu Chi Worldwide Medical Missions
blood sealer, blood mixer and plasma
extractor to improve the blood supply of
the organization to locals with dengue and
other blood-related cases in the city.
The target amount was reached in
two months. With these new apparatuses,
the local Red Cross wi l l be able to
respond efficiently to the demand for safe
and adequate human blood for the long
run. Using the plasma freezer, for example,
blood products will be preserved for up
to six months as it would only last for five
days in the past with the old equipment of
the organization.
Zamboanga City officials headed by
Mayor Celso Lobregat, who have been
busy in celebrating the Hermosa Festival
2010 that marks the feast of the city’s
patroness Nuestra Señora de la Virgen del
Pilar, together with Department of Tourism
Secretary Alberto Lim, were at the event
that witnessed the untiring dedication of
Tzu Chi volunteers in saving mankind from
their miseries.
“This turnover ceremony comes at a
very auspicious time not only because we
are celebrating Fiesta Hermosa but also
Tzu Chi Foundation is celebrating today,
the 10th day of October, which is the
tenth month, this year 2010. Much has
Tzu Chi Great Love Eye Center brings hopes to a lot of patients with very bad economic condition.
Tzu Chi volunteers in Zamboanga donated a two million Peso freezer in preserving blood.
Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 201172 73Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 2011
Tzu Chi Worldwide Medical Missions
Tzu Chi International Medical Association
been said about the so-called history of
the 10-10-10-10, but whether or not it has
the magic of success, today’s turnover
ceremony is indeed very providential.
Please extend our very deep gratitude and
appreciation to Master Cheng Yen,” said
Mayor Lobregat.
Love Speaks for Itself
G re e t i n g t h e v i s i t i n g T z u C h i
volunteers were the homey ambience
of the Tzu Chi Great Love Eye Center.
Inaugurated on January 18, 2008, the
1,000 square meter, 2-story eye center
is dedicated to saving the s ight of
underprivileged locals of Zamboanga
and the neighboring provinces through
free include cataract surgery, pterygium
scrapping cases, squint operation, free
check up on eye defects, free distribution
of eyeglasses/reading glasses.
As they toured the mini-hospital,
Tzu Chi volunteers met the first corneal
t r ansp lan t bene f i c i a r y o f Tzu Ch i
Zamboanga that has become a staff of the
eye center. When 25-year-old Raymond
Sinining was born, his cornea was already
damaged which caused his vision to blur
and held him back in living a normal life
and help with the family income. With
his father as a factory worker who earns
just enough for everyday needs, Sinining,
the eldest among three children, could
only hope for kind-hearted people or
organization to help him.
When he learned about Tzu Chi
Foundat ion f rom a f r iend, S in in ing
quickly approached Tzu Chi volunteers
in Zamboanga for assistance. In 2005,
Raymond Sinining was the first case of cornea transplant of the eye center, now a volunteer.
An amputated diabetic tries out his new prosthesis.
Sinining underwent corneal transplant
under the cooperation of TIMA and Dr.
Ann Cases, head of ZCMC Ophthalmology
Department.
In the past, Sinining barely worked
because of his disease. After recovering
from the operation and when Sinining
could f inal ly perform tasks, Tzu Chi
Zamboanga hired him to work as a staff
at the eye centre which eventually helped
Sinining provide for his family.
Tzu Chi volunteers also visited the
nearby Tzu Chi Great Love Physical
Rehabilitation and Jaipur Foot Prosthesis
Manufacturing Center also inside the
compound of ZCMC. The rehab center,
inaugurated in July 2004, provides a
venue for therapy and adjustment for
those who stil l need fine-tuning with
their foot prosthesis. Fifty-four-year-
old Gregorio Avelido has had diabetes
for 11 years. In April 2009, his right leg
was amputated due to complications
of his disease. Avelido had to depend
on his four children and wife since his
amputation. Tzu Chi volunteers helped
Avelido reclaim a productive life by giving
him free prosthesis. Avelido could not
help but shed tears of joy when he tried
on the new artificial leg he received. “This
will change my life greatly from the days
without a leg. This artificial leg will help
In Tzu Chi Great Love Physical Rehabilitation and Jaipur Foot Prosthesis Manufacturing Center, a technician guides the visitors.
Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 201174 75Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 2011
Tzu Chi Worldwide Medical Missions
Tzu Chi International Medical Association
me earn a livelihood by selling bread or
dishes. I am so happy and thankful to Tzu
Chi Foundation and the Lord,” Avelido
said.
Tzu Chi volunteers also met Rommel
Santos, 31, who used to be a drug-
dependent s ince the age of 16. In
2003, Santos was shot at the right leg
while trying to defend a friend during
a fight. Last year, after meeting Tzu
Chi Foundation and receiving free foot
prosthesis from the organization, Santos’
life gradually changed. He then enrolled for
a free training course in garment sewing
offered by the local social welfare office.
The great love and compassion shown
to him by Tzu Chi volunteers also moved
him to quit his drug use and start to walk
on the right path. Having met people who
give selflessly beyond societal, religious
or racial differences, Santos realized that
it was time that he change his life for
the better. “I did not expect to meet Tzu
Chi Foundation who gave me a better
direction in life. I thought my life was
hopeless until I received a free artificial leg.
I’ve quit drugs so I am stable now, and
not disabled anymore,” said Santos who
came to the manufacturing center to have
his prosthesis adjusted.
The center’s head, Dr. Raymond
Sator, expressed his joy in meeting these
people whose lives they helped change,
saying, “It’s an inspiration for me to learn
the stories of these patients who strive to
live their lives. Giving them hope brings
me happiness. There are a lot of inspiring
stories among the amputees, here who
had a life full of depression and feelings of
worthlessness but is now twards a better
and meaningful life.”
Dr. Sator dreams to reach out to more
people in neighbouring provinces for he
knows the incapacity of many amputees
to acquire prostheses which cost from
P12, 000 to P30, 000 in private facilities.
“People here in Mindanao are poor
and their situation is worsened by the war,
they could not afford to buy even a pair
of slippers what more prosthesis. So this
program is really a great thing. As long as
there are people in need, we will continue
with our service,” Dr. Sator concluded.
Dr. Raymond Sator is a member of TIMA for more than 10 years.
St. Haniya City, Paraguay
2010.01.31~2010.06.26
The Poor Learn to Share and Feel Rich in Mind
Written by Lili Hsu
People living in the Banado Sur area
of St. Haniya City (Grandpa’s Kitchen)
are struggling on a daily basis. There is
a huge gap in their education level as
well as income in Paraguay. The wealthy
have a much better chance of receiving
education while 90% of the people here
live by collecting trash. Thanks to the
consistent support of Tzu Chi members
in Paraguay, people have seen the
improvement of their health and mind in
the first half of this year.
Making Progress - Honoring Humanity
The last day of each month is a
free clinic day. On January 31, there
was one scheduled in Banado Sur
area, better known as the “Grandpa’s
Kitchen”. Volunteer Mariza made a big
difference in this particular location.
Everyone prays sincerely before the clinic starts. Tzu Chi volunteers donated a wheelchair to an amputee.
Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 201176 77Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 2011
Tzu Chi Worldwide Medical Missions
Tzu Chi International Medical Association
She continuously reaches out to non-
profit organizations and through local
newspapers and rad io s ta t ions to
recruit volunteers. As a result there are
doctors and physical therapists coming
to the “Grandpa’s Kitchen” twice a
week helping children with Poliomyelitis.
Besides medical service and Chinese
acupuncture, Tzu Chi local volunteers
have organized food drives, wheelchairs
donation programs, supplies and many
outreach service in the communities.
It is a great pleasure to witness the
improvements in this area. Besides free
clinics, Tzu Chi involves in improving
the living condition and environmental
protection. Since 90% of the people
in Banado Sur co l l ec t t rash fo r a
l iving, healthy living is a top priority.
Mosquitoes and flies are the primary
concerns for health hazards in the area.
Tzu Chi volunteers visit each home to
access the condition. The ones with
good condition wil l be honored with
a not ice on a bul let in board in the
“Grandpa’s Kitchen”. This is not only
an honor to the household but also an
encouragement for others to follow the
example.
The Cared Families Spare Their Love - Assisting Children with
Osteomalacia
During Chinese New Year there
were on ly four Tzu Ch i vo lunteers
available for a scheduled
f ree med ica l f a i r and re l i e f i n
Asuncion. Thankfully, with the Tzu Youth
G ro u p a n d o t h e r v o l u n t e e r s ’
coordination, the event on February 28
was able to proceed.
A g randmother and her seven
grandchi ldren came for assistance.
It hurt to see these children starving
and in need of basic living supplies.
The mother of the children never cared
about the children or their grandmother
and was nowhere to be found. Volunteer
Mariza suggested giving a 10lb bag of
noodles to the family for their immediate
Volunteer Mother Sui is more than a volunteer but a good friend to Tzu Chi.
need. This family will need long term
care and assistance, and volunteer
Miriam offered to get them some tea,
rice, and oil.
After completion of the free clinic,
we visited a couple who moved from
the inland to Banada Sur. Their home
was less than 177 square feet, and was
made out of wood boards. Among
their three chi ldren, two boys have
Ostecmalacia. They urgently need milk
to increase their calcium intake. The
15 year old is in third grade and the 13
years old will enter the first grade. They
had no school bags, books or learning
supplies. Marta promised to buy them
school suppl ies to s tar t the i r new
classes. The rubber tires of the older
boy’s wheel chair, received from Tzu
Chi years ago, were worn out. We gave
a new wheelchair to the younger child
and noted to repair the worn wheelchair
on our next visit.
Carmen Silvia’s son was injured in
a motorcycle accident. We supplied
his family with six cases of milk to help
his recovery. When we visited Carmen
Silvia’s son, Marisa asked if Carmen
Silvia would give half of the milk to the
children with Osteomalacia. Carmen
Si lv ia happi ly agreed. Now that her
son’s condit ion had improved, she
wanted to thank Tzu Chi, and happily
share the milk with those who need it.
The last Sunday of each month
is supposed to be a free clinic day in
Grandpa’s Kitchen. However, Apri l
11 happened to be in conflict with the
Tzu Chi Paraguay Asuncion chapter
first volunteer training. It was also on
Easter Sunday, which is important to a
population made up of 80% Catholic.
Therefore, the free clinic day was moved
to the second week.
After the c l in ic, a l l gathered at
the Grandpa’s Kitchen to share the
story of ‘bamboo era’ and read Jing
S i Aphor i sms . Fam i l i es s t rugg led
with finance unlike the wealthy ones
have less opportuni ty in educat ion
and therefore less opportunity to be
Tzu Chi gave a granny with seven grandchildren five kg of noodles.
Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 201178 79Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 2011
Tzu Chi Worldwide Medical Missions
Tzu Chi International Medical Association
employed. As the bad karma goes on,
the rich are getting richer while the poor
are getting poorer.
After I joined Tzu Chi, I saw different
facets of the society. I deeply feel that
we can bring the culture of Tzu Chi to
poor families. Teaching them to save
100 Guarani every day which is not
a big burden but it wil l cultivate the
habit of saving. Furthermore, when the
bamboo bank is full, we can help others
as well. When requesting assistance
from others, we have our palms up.
When we give a full bamboo bank to the
needy, we have our palms down to offer
help to others.
People Appreciate Chinese Medicine Acupuncture
In April, Tzu Chi volunteers noticed
Roman Ortiz while promoting street
cleaning in Niadu New City. Ortiz could
not speak due to a stroke. When we
visited him at his home, he and his wife
were staying in a dark room. Ortiz not
only could not talk, but kept drooling.
We encouraged him to come to the
Grandpa’s Kitchen at the end of each
month for acupuncture treatment during
our free clinic. There had been several
cases of stroke patients successfully
treated by Dr. Rui-Cheng Chong.
When Roman Ortiz came to the
free clinic in May for acupuncture, Dr.
Chong performed acupuncture. His
blood pressure is still high and hands
and feet are cold probably due to a lack
of exercise since he had the stroke.
However today, he had the opportunity
to interact with others. His living space
is no longer just the little dark room. We
believe this change is good for him, and
with time, he will recover.
63 year old Antonio Ayala has been
coming for acupuncture since August
2008. He is very sat isf ied with the
treatment. He used to feel pain in his
knee and had headaches, sometimes
he even lost vision. Since he started
acupuncture, the pain has gone. He
said that he collects trash for a living.
He has two sons and one daughter. The
older son is 20 year old, and works in
a factory. The younger son has Polio,
so his wife cannot go to work but take
care of him. The 23-year old daughter is
working as a maid. Ayala often loses his
vision because he needs to replace the
retina in his left eye. Luckily, he found
a non-profit organization through the
Venezuela embassy that can arrange a
treatment plan.
The world is f i l led with love and
warmth. Many non-profit organizations,
like Tzu Chi, are helping others quietly.
B y g a t h e r i n g p e o p l e ’s s t r e n g t h ,
together, we can accompl ish great
goodness.
New volunteer, Licha, helps patients with a sphygmomanometer.
Acupunturist, Dr. Chong(right) gives bamboo boxes as a gift to the locals. Volunteer Fujin(middle) is also Dr. Chong’s good helper.
Volunteers register patients.
Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 201180 81Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 2011
Tzu Chi Worldwide Medical Missions
Tzu Chi International Medical Association
Sri Lanka 2010.08.06~08.08
The Third Joint Medical Outreach by Singapore
Written by Lim Chwee Lian, Yan Su Yuan & Lee Caixia
Translated by Nai Sheah Qin, Chow Chung Yee, Yeap Szu Ling & Yang
WentingCompiled by Nai Sheah Qin
Photos by Law Sook Fong
S i x y e a r s s i n c e i t s a r r i v a l i n
Hambantota when Sri Lanka was hit by
the Asian tsunami in December 2004,
Tzu Chi is now expanding its charitable
footprints from the coastal town to the
capital city of Colombo.
Following the two large scale free
clinics in August 2009 and March 2010 in
Ratnapura District, the Singapore Tzu Chi
chapter and its medical team once again
returned to Sri Lanka in August 2010 to
treat the sick and needy. This time, the
clinic was held in Karawanella, a town
around two hour’s drive from Colombo.
Nestled up in the hill, Karawanella
town is s i tuated in Sabaragamuwa
Province l ike Ratnapura. The terrain
around Karawanel la Base Hospital ,
which hosted the clinic this time, is hardly
smooth given its hilly footing. As the one-
storey building at the front of the hospital
compound was deemed too old and
shabby, the Base Hospital decided to
allocate two levels in two newer buildings
at the back for the Tzu Chi Free Clinic.
Setting Up
Prior to the outreach, a 30-strong
advance team was dispatched on Aug 4
to set up the clinic site. Thanks to their
nimble fingers, the space allocated by
the Base Hospital was transformed into
a mini hospital complete with surgical,
ophthalmological, and dental equipment
along with two consultation rooms.
Lee Hui Tian, who is experienced in
utility/logistic, described the Karawanella
Base Hospital as being backward in
comparison with the previous Kahawatta
Base Hospital in Ratnapura. “Luckily we
came prepared with sufficient tools and
extension wires; otherwise we would have
fumbled through our way.”
Brother Lee and his fel low team
members have in fact conducted a pre-
mission survey to the hospital back
in June 2010. Shock was their f irst
impression of the hospital facilities: the
electric generator was still in use after 50
years and could hardly produce sufficient
electricity; dozens of spoilt wires and
fluorescent lamps were left unrepaired;
and most of the air-conditioners were not
functioning. To ensure surgical operations
and consultation sessions could run
smoothly throughout the clinic, the utility/
logistic team arrived at the hospital two
days before the free clinic to equip the
clinic space with brightly lighted rooms
and cool air-conditionings.
On a ladder, Hong De Qian stood
quietly and carefully, wiping the wall. He
then moved on to clean the shutters and
the 30 ceiling fans of the five partitioned
spaces. Neither a medic nor one who
regularly does house chores at home,
the volunteer who’s on his first Tzu Chi
medical outreach was clearly putting in
The utility/logistic team arrived two days earlier to install electrical wiring so that there would be sufficient electrical supply over the course of the free clinic.
Photo depicts a volunteer cleans the window before the free clinic.
Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 201182 83Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 2011
Tzu Chi Worldwide Medical Missions
Tzu Chi International Medical Association
his heart and soul in the cleaning task.
“The fans are very dusty and there are
blood spots on the wall. We have to keep
the surgical rooms clean and hygienic
to protect the patients’ health,” said the
volunteer with sweat running down his
temples.
On the afternoon of Aug 5, one day
before the free clinic, the logistic team
and fellow volunteers finished setting up
and tidying the environment. Everyone
then chipped in to help with the packing
of medicine, which had arrived late due to
some hiccup.
By then, everyone was ready for the
next day.
Early Queue by Eager Patients
Taking the ear ly morning f l ight,
the medical team, which comprised
90 Singaporean and s ix Malays ian
TIMA volunteers, arrived at Colombo at
daybreak of Aug 6 and found themselves
at their hilly destination after two hours
of a winding bus ride. Upon arriving,
the medical personnel and volunteers
immediately set out to make final touch
ups to their respective stations.
The sight of everyone drenched in
sweat was a testament to the intense
heat in Sri Lanka. With sleeves rolled up,
the doctors were seen helping unload
and install medical devices, while others
helped arrange the drugs. The quiet
little town was instantly bustling with the
activity of these foreign visitors.
Albeit the free clinic was scheduled to
commence in the afternoon, there were
already long queues of patients at the
waiting area early that morning. Some
had come from as far as the southeastern
coastal town of Hambantota, while others
had made their journey in the middle of
the night hoping to be consulted earlier.
A Mother’s Selfless Love
Tea worker S. Kaliswari and her
14-year-old son left home at 3am and
rode their three-wheeler for more than an
hour to reach the clinic site.
For the past 15 years, the 38-year-
old mother has had lumps growing all
over her body and face - the one on her
left wrist had even grown to the size of a
fist. Her son, M. Mandakumara, too has
a huge hyperplasia on his upper lip and a
walnut-sized lump on his left arm.
The teen had been the laughing
stock of his classmates back in primary
school because of h is appearance
and his mother. Troubled by low self-
esteem, he refused to go to school after
graduating. When the anxious Kaliswari
learned that tumour surgery is available
at the free clinic, she was hopeful that the
doctors would be able to relieve her son’s
suffering. And they did.
A f t e r a n e x c i s i o n o p e r a t i o n
and a plastic surgery, the lumps on
Mandakumara’s left arm and upper lip
were removed. Happy with his new look,
Mandakumara said he plans to go back to
school after he recovers.
Holding her palms together thanking
the doctors and nurses, Kaliswari said
she is going to bring her elder son
who’s inflicted with the same disease
A Singapore volunteer guides the local volunteers through microscope installation.
Local interpreters are in place to explain the services of the free clinic to the patients at the waiting area.
Mandakumara has been suffering from low self-esteem for years because of his lip disfigurement. His selfless mother forwent the opportunity to undergo surgery so that her sons could receive adequate care.
Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 201184 85Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 2011
Tzu Chi Worldwide Medical Missions
Tzu Chi International Medical Association
for treatment the next day. Although she
herself hoped to be treated, the mother
declined the opportunity of having surgery
knowing that she may be too weak to take
care of her boys if she too was operated
on. The loving mother is an exemplar of
selfless love.
During the three days of the free
clinic, both lymphoma excision and hernia
surgery were the most common surgical
operations performed - the surgical team
operated on a total of 108 lymphoma
patients and 15 hernia patients.
Restoring Vision, Restoring Hope
Located next to dental area is the
room for ophthalmology. Thanks to
the logistic team who transformed the
bare wards into visual examination and
cataract examination areas and a surgical
room brightly lit and sterilized, where the
ophthalmologists and nurses were able to
begin check ups and tests at 11am.
The villagers have to undergo three
stages of tests so as to provide the
medics with full information on their eye
condition. At least 50 villagers underwent
the eye tests and 13 of them met the
requirement for treatment on Aug 6.
41 patients underwent surgery on the
7th while another 19 were operated on
the 8th. Three days of medical services
restored vision and hope to 73 patients.
78-year-o ld Nona is a cataract
patient who used to weave straw mats
for a living, but hasn’t been able to do
so since becoming blind. Together with
her 92-year-old rubber tapper husband,
the two have raised their children by
the mountainside all their life. Besides
tending to household chores and weaving
straw mats, a younger Nona had to help
her husband at the rubber plantation
occasionally. Ten years ago, Nona met
with an accident which shrank her leg by
two inches. She was bedridden for eight
months and had to rely on a walking stick
to move around since.
Nona used to take only four days to
weave a large mat, which could fetch a
price of 250 Rupees (about US$2.30). As
her aging condition was made worse after
she contracted cataract in her left eye
two years ago, she needed to double the
time to complete a mat. Her income had
mainly been spent on her treatment and
living expenses, with part of it donated to
temples or poor families. She knew that
even if she does not spend any money,
she would need to save up to 15 months
to be able to afford cataract removal
surgery. Some time in early July 2010,
she decided to send a surgery application
letter to the Lion’s Club. Surprisingly, she
received a confirmation letter two weeks
later, notifying her that her case will be
transferred to an organization named Tzu
Chi.
On the afternoon of the second day of
the free clinic on Aug 7, Nona successfully
underwent cataract surgery and was
arranged to return the next day for post-
surgery check up. The next morning, when
her bandage and eye patch was removed,
the senior immediately recognized her
daughter-in-law and grandson. They
broke into wide grins as Nona was also
able to recognize her family members in
their family photo.
Nona was happy as she can once
again weave straw mat and trays from
the comfort of her home and make bigger
contributions to charity.
Impressed with the mobil ity and
discipline of the team members, Vasantha
Liyanage, the hospital superintendent,
said that the free clinic is a blessing for
the locals because such free treatment
is rare in a country where medical care is
expensive.
Patients at the ophthalmology area have to undergo three stages of tests so as to provide the medics with full information on their eye condition.
Dr. See-Toh Kai Mun, who learnt of Tzu Chi's medical efforts in Sri Lanka from a televised news, volunteered to serve at the free clinic.
Dr. Kok Wen Tang (right) carefully treating a patient's oral condition.
Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 201186 87Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 2011
Tzu Chi Worldwide Medical Missions
Tzu Chi International Medical Association
The operation cost for a cataract
patient, he cited, which includes medical
fee and the intraocular lens to replace the
eye’s natural lens, can be up to 20,000
Rupees (about US$181) and easi ly
exceeds the average Sri Lankan monthly
income of 7000-8000 Rupees (US$63-
US$72). What’s more, a simple one-day
surgery usually takes two to three weeks
to complete in Sri Lanka. Mr Liyanage
thinks that Tzu Chi’s service will help save
the patients a lot of inconvenience.
First Ever Oral Check-upfor Buddhist Monk
Moving to the denta l room, a l l
seven dentists were racing against time
to perform tooth extraction and tooth
filling. Reluctant to rest as both are time-
consuming treatments, the dentists,
together with four assistants and four
volunteers, successfully provided tooth
filling for 55 patients on the first day. A
total of 546 dental cases were treated
throughout the three days.
One of the patients that came by was
60-year-old Venerable N. Seelawimala.
The Venerable came across the Tzu Chi
banner hanged at the town area near his
temple and decided to have his first ever
dental check-up at the free clinic.
As the Venerable does not speak
English, a local dentist who happened
to came by to observe the free clinic
offered to help bridge the communication
gap. Thanks to her fluent translation,
Singapore dentist See-Toh Kai Mun was
able to conduct the check-up smoothly
and diagnosed that the Venerable has
periodontosis and severe tooth loosening.
Dr. See-Toh did a thorough scaling for
the Venerable and shared with him about
proper oral care.
“What your organization is doing
is very meaningful as it is a way of
community service. We in the monastery
seldom visit a dentist so I hope my fellow
monastic members could come for oral
check-up too,” said the Venerable.
The attending dentist, Dr. See-Toh Kai
Mun, was one of the three dentists who’re
on their first medical outreach with Tzu
Chi. When he heard about the mission
that he first saw on a televised news
last year (the news was reporting on the
previous medical outreach to Sri Lanka),
the young dentist, who had been putting
off his volunteer passion since high school
due to academic and work commitment,
eagerly contacted TIMA expressing his
intention to participate in the outreach.
“Being able to share my knowledge
and care for the rura l Sr i Lankans
throughout these three days is truly a
fruitful experience,” said Dr. See-Toh, who
thinks he ought to count his blessings
for living in a developed country such
as Singapore. He added that Sri Lanka
might seem backward in terms of medical
conditions, but to his surprise, their dental
treatment methods are quite advanced
and the people have better oral care
awareness than he expected.
Healing Hands in the Surgical Room
One night 20 years ago, Muththumari,
then 29 years old, was sleeping soundly,
when the kerosene lamp on her bedside
cabinet toppled and poured the hot oil
directly onto her cheek and chest. The
burning pain was so intense that she
woke up crying and yelling. Without having
her wound properly treated then, her neck
muscles contracted and she was unable
to turn her head since. She also lost her
rubber tapping job as a result.
F i v e y e a r s l a t e r, s h e h a d t h e
The surgical team busy at work.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Poh Him Fong (right) and his team are performing skin grafting on the contracted neck of a burnt patient Muththumari.
Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 201188 89Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 2011
Tzu Chi Worldwide Medical Missions
Tzu Chi International Medical Association
opportunity to undergo an operation at a
public hospital but it did not succeed —
her neck muscles even contracted to the
point where head rotation became more
difficult. Considering the fact that she
could not afford the cost for treatment in a
private hospital and also that she had lost
confidence in getting cured, Muththumari
gave up the thought of seeking medical
treatment. 15 years had gone by since.
A few days ago, one of her family
members came back home telling her that
he saw a banner hanging outside the Base
Hospital publicizing an upcoming free
clinic. Her family and neighbours talked
her into trying her luck, so Muththumari
came, albeit with a pinch of salt given her
past disappointment.
Muththumari was later sent into the
operating room and operated by plastic
surgeon Dr Fong Poh Him. A skin graft
harvested from her abdomen was used to
cover her neck wound so that she would
have sufficient muscles to turn her neck
and head. The operation ended two hours
later and Muththumari was sent to the
resting room.
She looked good though her neck
was bandaged and she still felt some pain.
After a brief rest, the Sri Lankan insisted
on personally thanking Dr. Fong, to which
Dr. Fong gave her his blessing and urged
her to get plenty of rest for the wound to
recover.
Now a relieved person, Muththumari
said that she felt extremely lucky to have
met Tzu Chi and she is very grateful to the
Tzu Chi volunteers, doctors and nurses
as they had looked after her “like they
are my parents”. “Many residents are too
poor to afford a surgery. Fortunately, Tzu
Chi people have come to rescue the Sri
Lankan poor like angels from heaven,”
said Muththumari in deep gratitude. “This
is a great relief for every one of us.”
Media Recognition
The free clinic had also attracted local
media attention. Lakbima Daily reported
on the medical outreach on August 7 (last
day of the free clinic) while the National
Television Network and Divaina (Island
Newspaper) also came to cover the event.
During the interviews, Mr. David Liu,
CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation (Singapore
Branch) and person-in-charge of Tzu
Chi Hambantota office, introduced Tzu
Chi’s effort in Sri Lanka starting with its
permanent housing project in Hambantota
following the Asian Tsunami, to the charity
and medical cases undertook by the local
Tzu Chi office.
The cameraman of National Television
Network , Sa l i ya Gamas ing la , who
requested to film the operating rooms,
was very impressed by the meticulousness
of the makeshift setting and the medical
team’s dedication and professionalism.
Saliya said that this is the first time
that he had ever experienced a large scale
medical mission. “There are many sick
people who cannot afford to see a doctor.
I thank you for coming here to give this
free service to our people.” He was moved
when he learned that all the volunteers,
including the doctors and nurses, financed
their own travel and accommodation
expenses. “I will let my fellow countrymen
know of this charity clinic through my
video,” he said while expressing his wish
to become a volunteer.
TIMA Sri Lanka, Blossoming
At the end of 2009, Sri Lanka Ministry
of Health requested help from Tzu Chi
Foundation to launch a countrywide
programme to combat and prevent
chronic non-communicable diseases.
Tzu Chi Singapore showed their support
by sponsoring four Sri Lankan doctors
to undergo six weeks of training at the
Hualien and Dalin Tzu Chi Hospitals in
Taiwan in from May till July 2010.
Three of the doctors, namely Dr.
The local television news interview Mr. David Lin, CEO of the Tzu Chi Foundation Singapore branch.
Dr. Pathiranage came straight to serve in the free clinic after finishing his hospital duty at six in the morning of August 8.
Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 201190 91Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 2011
Tzu Chi Worldwide Medical Missions
Tzu Chi International Medical Association
Kodagoda, Dr. Panditharatne and Dr.
Sumudu, managed to allocate free time
from their work schedules to take part in
the free clinic this time. They mentioned
that their six-week training in Taiwan
was a memorable experience as staff
and volunteers at the hospitals were
very caring, making them feel at home in
Taiwan. Furthermore, they have gained
invaluable knowledge and experiences
from Tzu Chi Hospital’s very own ‘Chronic
and Non-Commun icab le D iseases
Prevention Program’.
Apa r t f rom med ica l sk i l l s , D r.
Kodagoda was very touched by Tzu Chi’s
concept of “Prioritizing Humanity”. He
said, “When I was in Taiwan, I learned
from Tzu Chi that medical personnel
should not only care for the patients’
physical and emotional health, they should
also be concerned about their family
members. That was really a reminder for
me, as I tend to neglect the caring part
when I treat my patients.”
The ophthalmologist never failed to
be punctual throughout the three-day free
clinic. “This is my third time taking part in
Tzu Chi’s free clinic, but it’s my first time
participating as a TIMA member. Wearing
the TIMA uniform feels different and of
course I am very proud. I really hope that I
can reel in more local volunteers to help in
the free clinic,” said Dr. Kodagoda.
Dr. Pathiranage finished his night shift
at 6am of Aug 8, and yet he still travelled
to free clinic venue with Dr. Sumudu to
serve in the general practice area. “I know
that Tzu Chi members are providing free
health care for our people at the free clinic.
As a doctor, it would be a shame if I let
such a good opportunity slip by,” mused
Dr. Pathiranage.
Dr. Kapila, Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa
Provincial Director of Health Services
and his colleagues, Dr. Tissa Perera,
Super in tendent o f Base Hosp i ta l -
Kahawatta, and Dr. Panditha, Senior
Regist rar o f Communi ty Medic ine,
attended the TIMA Convention in Taiwan
in August 2009 right after the first Tzu Chi
free clinic, and went on to become the
first few TIMA members of Sri Lanka.
Due to the relent less efforts by
Singapore and Sri Lanka volunteers, by
the second free clinic in March 2010,
there were already about 70 local medical
personnel certified as TIMA members,
marking the official beginning of Sri Lanka
TIMA.
Local Seeds Sprouting
Though the free clinic was held at
Karawanella, a district located about two
hours away from Ratnapura, it did not
dampen the spirits of 30 Ratnapura TIMA
nurses who took bus rides to and from
Karawanella throughout the three days
just to serve their fellow countrymen.
These nurses were a great help at the
registration area and the surgery rooms,
but the most important role they played
was as interpreters.
“Tzu Chi Singapore volunteers had to
travel miles to my own country to help out,
so as a local, I feel obliged to stand out
and help my own countrymen. Sri Lanka
has a lot of people living in poverty. The
free clinic is able to provide free treatment,
medication and comfort for our people. I
am very touched with what Tzu Chi has
done for us,” said Nurse Indica.
Chamini, who serves in the eye unit,
chimed in, “After taking part in the free
clinic for three times, I can really feel the
love radiating from the medical staff from
TIMA. I should really learn from them. I
became an official member of TIMA in
March this year. Wearing the uniform
reminds myself to be compassionate
while maintaining my professionalism, and
to serve the patients with extra care and
love.”
The free clinic, which treated a total
of 1880 patients throughout the two-and-
a-half day, was all the more meaningful in
that it inspired like-minded people to join
the ranks in relieving the agony of the Sri
Lankan people.
Mr. David Liu, who superintends
Tzu Chi Singapore and the Hambantota
Tzu Chi Liaison Office in Sri Lanka, said,
“The most important objective of having
free clinics in Sri Lanka is to attract
part icipation from the local medical
personnel. It’s great to note that every time
a free clinic is held, previous volunteers
bring along new volunteers. I think our
years of toiling are starting to yield the
results we hoped for.”
Dr. Kodagoda felt very proud to become a TIMA member and hopes to attract more volunteers to participate in the future.
More and more local Sri Lankan medical personnel join TIMA now.
Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 201192 93Tzu Chi Medical Care Vol.12 AUGUST 2011
top related