Kaza Hospital

Until recently, patients had to trek for 3 days over high mountain passes or take a 16 hour bus journey to Manali to receive medical treatment. Many could not afford the bus fare let alone any treatment. When the borders opened in 1992 after being closed since 1960, and doctors visited the local community, they were shocked by the poor state of health of the people. Thirty percent of children were losing their hearing due to untreated ear infections. There was a high incidence of stomach cancer caused by ignorance of a proper diet, and due to an excessive consumption of “chang” the local barley beer.  A large percentage of the population was suffering from respiratory infections, arthritic problems, thyroid deficiency and gall stones. There was a high infant mortality rate and low life expectancy. 

The local people gave the land and offered their services free to help with the building. Gradually the money was found and the hospital was built. It is now up and running with outpatients, intensive care ward with 4 beds, pharmacy, and x ray facilities. There is an operating theatre with full sterilization equipment.

In 1994, teams of doctors from Manali and abroad started coming to the valley to conduct village clinics during the summer months when the high passes were open and the hospital was still being built. Since then, this has become a regular event and a jeep was funded through Spiti Projects for the use of the medics to promote better health. There is no National Health Service in India. However, The Government has organised payment for treatment of patients diagnosed with TB and offer a follow up programme.

 

    

 

Spiti Projects has funded a dental clinic in the Kaza hospital, a dentist comes when available in the summer months. The “bush telegraph” system sends a message into the hills and the patients come to Kaza for treatment. There is a huge need for dental hygiene education.  Especially among the young people.

Recently Spiti Projects was able to offer a mobile eye clinic. This is especially helpful to the elderly who have probably never seen a pair of spectacles until they were given a pair to wear.

The hospital is nearly 15 years old and, with continued use, together with the harsh climate of the area, it is in much need of refurbishment. Our target for the future is to up-grade the interior and to complete a student unit where young people of the valley can attend a PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROGRAMME.

Alcoholism, excessive smoking, and poor hygiene are all problems that need to be addressed. Hard drugs are not available and were not used in the valley until the introduction of tourism. We are trying to make the local people aware of the pitfalls of drug taking.  The valley is free of AIDS at the moment.  Here again we are trying to inform the village headmen of the importance of instructing the young people to be careful. (The girls are very protected by their parents and brothers and traditionally would not mix with strangers.) 

 

HEALTH CARE NURSERY IN THE HOSPITAL GROUNDS

The priority is health education mainly at pre-school level.  A little school has been set by Dr Laji Varghese up in the Hospital grounds for children aged 2 - 5 years.