Since August 2017, the Rohingya refugee crisis has become one of the largest and fastest growing humanitarian issues of our time. The United Nations estimates over 700,000 refugees reside in Cox’s bazar, with the Kutupalong settlement growing to become the largest of its kind. Approximately 600,000 people live in an area of just 13 square kilometres stretching infrastructure and services to their limits.
15 volunteers from GMF Australia partnered with the Hope foundation to provide medical, dental and surgical care to Rohingya refugees and the underserved local community in a week long mission from 19-26 April 2019.
The team was split into medical, dental and surgical groups.
Our surgeon and gynaecologist worked at the Hope field hospital in Ramu. Cases performed included hysterectomies with vaginal repairs, dilation and curettage, vaginal and cervical polypectomies, inguinal hernia repairs in adults and children , right hemicolectomy, excision of keloids, surgical wound debridement, removal of foreign body and perianal fistula treatment.
Our medical team and dentist worked at the Hope field hospital – Camp 4, Modhur Chara. We found the Rohingya refugees living in a severely overcrowded camps. Our doctors worked with local medics treating respiratory illness, scabies, fungal skin infections, complaints of generalised malaise and fatigue, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, diabetes, hypertension, cases of cataracts and pterygiums, otitis media, UTI’s, acute management of seizure and also burns.
Our dentist treated caries and periodontal disease. There was an endless prevalence of tooth decay and multiple tooth extractions were performed. Dental hygiene packs were distributed among the population.
Our pharmacist was kept busy dispensing medicines free of cost, as well also stocking up and procuring the anaesthetic supplies for the hospital in Ramu.
GMF Australia bore the expense of the surgical and medical cost of the mission and also the cost of the hospital stay of our surgical patients.
Team GMF Australia distributed rain coats, back packs and toys to children in the camp. Some families were given fans and mosquito nets to manage the sweltering conditions. Hand sanitizers, sanitary pads and nappies were given to post partum women.
Our team was humbled to visit an orphanage in Cox’s bazar which was home to about 400 girls aged between 5 and 15 years. Food was donated to cater the children for a few weeks.
GMF Australia would like to thank Hope foundation for their assistance in co-ordinating this mission and also congratulate them for setting up the field hospital and the hospital in Ramu. GMF Australia would like to wish them success in their setting up of the fistula clinic project.
GMF Australia would like to thank all those who donated to make this mission successful. This includes monetary donations from countless individuals, as well as medical supplies from Johnson and Johnson. Without all of this generous support, these missions would not be possible.
