Bizz-Buzz Blog #2: Lack of Medical Supplies in Haiti

Haitians Dying in Hospital From Lack of Supplies

As most probably know, a massive earthquake hit Port Au-Prince, Haiti earlier this year.  Although the destruction of homes and businesses is commonly acknowledged, what about the infrastructure and hospitals also affected by this natural disaster?  it's easy to see that someone's home might be destroyed, but what about the hospitals and clinics that people depend on when they need them the most?

In this Huffington Post Article, it describes the story of one victim of the earthquake and how a lack of access to medical supplies ultimately led to his death.  He was extracted from the rubble of a building after being there for four days and was taken to the only functioning Hospital in Port Au-Prince, the U.N. Hospital.  All others were either too damaged or did not have the proper supplies to function.  Basically, a gangrenous infection was spreading through this mans body and his prognosis was not good.  A doctor involved in the care of this patient said, "He's dying right now in front of our eyes...we don't have the basic equipment that would save him...In any normal hospital he'd survive" (Huffington Post).  The article goes on to explain the various measures taken to try and save his life but ultimately, the young man dies.


Imagine going to the hospital in Corvallis and being told that you would be fine, except that they don't have the necessary supplies to do so.  Of course, the situation in haiti is not normal and they are under immense strain right now.  However, it's not only in times of emergency that people lack access to basic supplies such as clean needles, latex gloves, clean surgical gowns, etc.  The situation in Port-Au Prince is just one example of many places in the world that do not have the funds, or the means, to obtain safe and sterile medical equipment.


Certain areas in medicine, like surgery, require tons of disposable equipment in order to be done safely and effectively, if even at all.  Gloves, masks, gowns, hair covers, surgical drapes, etc. are some of the necessary disposables.  Tools such as staples, scalpels, clamps, etc. can be sterilized and reused but this is a costly process.


When it comes down to it, it seems to be that money is the main issue.  Countries like Nepal, for example, have no healthcare system in place and any care you receive you must pay for out-of-pocket.  I was applying for internships over there and many places were asking that I go to local hospitals, over here, and petition for medical supplies such as intubation kits and other expensive supplies in order to bring them to them.


Although the issue seems to be more of a structural problem, Doctors Without Borders is addressing the issue by not only going into countries needing medical care, but also supplying medical equipment to clinics and towns in dire need.

The above video talks about the lack of basic supplies in Iraqi hospitals.  The situation is not just in disaster-affected areas.