The Hospital

Hôpital Albert Schweitzer is a powerful, moving place in which one can see clear examples of both immense suffering and great triumph. The first clinical ward that one comes across when entering the hospital has patients suffering from many different ailments, from broken legs to viral infections. All the patients in the hospital are seriously ill or need surgical attention, as my uncle explained to me. This is largely because before being admitted to the hospital, a patient must have a referral from a physician, which can be obtained at any of the four dispensaries (smaller clinics) in the surrounding area. These dispensaries are equipped with the necessary materials and physicians to treat many ailments and some of them can hold births. For an uplifting experience, one is advised to visit the "Hanger"clinic. Hanger is a prosthetic and orthotic company in the United States that has launched missions in many developing nations, one of which is Haiti. There are quite a few amputee patients in Haiti, either because of the earthquake or common motorcycle accidents. The technicians at the Hanger clinic provide every patient that comes in with a new prosthetic limb, after which the patients undergo physical therapy to get used to their new component. Behind the Hanger clinic, my cousin Nicolas, runs an arts program for the handicapped and youth; a collaborative effort that creates a safe place for younger people and patients to spend time together. This aspect of Deschapelles is a truly special, encouraging process to see.