Post-Tsunami Volunteer Doctors Remain in Service in Maldives

Patient Consultation - Dr Mazhar Iqbal examines oldest man of the island, who is 100 years old

Dr Joseph Job, a Nigerian, attends to the needs of 1,600 residents on Mulak Island in Maldives. He is assisted by a health worker and a community aid assistant in this remote island in the Indian Ocean. The medical facilities in his clinic are basic, and so are the living conditions. But Dr Job, who arrived as a Commonwealth Service Abroad Programme (CSAP) volunteer in January 2005, would be pleased to stay on when his year-long stint ends next month under a programme funded by the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation, with support from NZAID.

"There is still a great need for medical services in Maldives to cater to residents living in the outer reaches of the archipelago where it currently takes days, and sometimes even weeks, for the people to receive medical attention," said Dr Job, a general practitioner. "The distances between islands are vast and transport is inadequate."

The 51-year-old doctor from Ibadan, Nigeria, is one of 15 of the original 23 CSAP volunteer doctors who remain in Maldives. The doctors had answered an emergency call for medical volunteers from the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, after the 26 December 2004 tsunami hit some 200 inhabited islands in the Maldives archipelago, destroying homes and livelihoods. About 12,000 of the 100,000 people affected by the tsunami had to be evacuated to neighbouring islands. Much of the infrastructure on the islands, including electricity, communications and water supplies, was destroyed.

Now, a year after the disaster, Dr Job is delighted to see homes and lives being rebuilt on Mulak and other islands.

"It has been a rewarding experience from a professional and personal point of view to be here in Maldives," stated Dr Job, in a telephone interview with the Commonwealth News and Information Service (CNIS). "The people have been very warm and hospitable since my arrival earlier this year. The work has been challenging. The CSAP programme has enabled me to be of service outside of Nigeria. I have benefited from the experience in Maldives on longer-term health and reconstruction programmes."

Fellow Nigerian Dr Collins Kalu, who is based on Kinbidhoo Island and oversees neighbouring Omadhoo Island with a total population of more than 600, also feels close to the communities he has served for a year. The obstetrician and general practitioner sees patients with allergies and problems such as asthma, gastroenteritis, hypertension and abdominal conditions. Like Dr Job, Dr Kalu, who has served in Maldives since February this year, is keen to stay on when his CSAP stint ends in February 2006.

"I have gained valuable experience in Maldives. Treating patients here has enabled me to handle different ailments and medical conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, neurosis, insomnia and anxiety that are directly related to the disaster," said Dr Kalu, 36, of Abiriba, Nigeria.

From Maradhoo Island, Dr Iqbal Mazhar of Karachi, Pakistan, told CNIS that he has grown very fond of Maldives because of the friendly people and stress-free environment. The lack of trained medical staff to treat some 400 residents who visit the island's health centre is a factor that has led him to extend his stay from the initial six months to a year.

"The people have shown appreciation for the medical assistance and today, I am glad to attend to patients with general ailments instead of medical emergencies. It has been a great experience to be here and to be of help," stated Dr Mazhar.

He and other CSAP volunteer doctors explained that issues related to the environment, sanitation, over-crowding and preventive health care are the ongoing challenges they face.

Commending the volunteers for their work, Mr McKinnon said the people of the Commonwealth had shown kindness and generosity of spirit in providing assistance to fellow citizens affected by the tsunami.

"This demonstrates the Commonwealth's ability to use its international network to bring assistance and support to a member state in time of need. This is what the Commonwealth is all about. A year after the tsunami, CSAP volunteers are still helping Maldives as it moves from disaster relief to reconstruction and recovery," stated the Secretary-General.   

"I wish to thank the doctors who have volunteered to serve in Maldives for their selfless dedication. I am pleased that the situation has returned to greater normality after the tragedy of a year ago, and hope that Maldives will be able to recover fully from it in 2006."

 

CNIS - Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 266, 21 December 2005

 

Key Links:

• Commonwealth Service Abroad Programme
• CFTC