Today, the dispensary, maternity ward and surgery departments are already operational at Belo Hospital, as are the laundry and laboratory. However encouraging these developments may be, they do not represent the end of the story. In fact, the ‘Belo adventure’ is far from over. In reality, it is only just beginning...
The NGO's goal is to further develop this hospital so that it can treat more cases. ‘During the first few months, we faced significant shortages in terms of sterilising equipment,’ comments Dr Christian de Clippele. "But thanks to the generosity of our donors, this problem is now behind us. Now we need to increase the number of hospital beds. The hospital currently has 20 beds and their occupancy rate is over 200%!"
The range of care services must also be expanded. The hospital still lacks a paediatric department, even though children aged 5 to 15 represent 20% of the country's population. "In terms of surgery, certain essential instruments are still lacking: an electric scalpel, abdominal surgery instruments, trauma surgery equipment for road accident victims... But more importantly, this care must be made accessible to a wider audience. "
In Madagascar, extreme poverty is more than just a phrase. It is a daily reality for thousands of people who survive on less than two dollars a day. Under these conditions, hospital fees are a luxury that a large part of the population cannot afford.