The medical team is comprised of roughly 25 health practitioners in pediatrics, internal medicine, emergency medicine, obstetrics/ gynecology, ophthalmology, occupational therapy, public health, and nursing. An additional twenty five adult and high school volunteers work alongside the medical team in the clinic.OCHO also sends small teams of clinicians and volunteers to remote areas where patients are unable to attend the Atima clinic. In recent years, OCHO has expanded their services to a nearby community of primarily coffee workers, Choloma. We have been operating in both locations since then.
Medications and equipment
In consultation with the Atima medical personnel, OCHO transports much-needed medical supplies for use during the brigade as well as for nearby clinics and schools. Typically obtained in cities many hours away, the donated and purchased medications are useful in treating both acute and chronic conditions. Medications include antibiotics, analgesics, antacids, vitamins as well as medications for hypertension and diabetes.
OCHO also equipped the newly established health center in Atima and continues to bring more advanced diagnostic equipment. OCHO has provided the medical center with stethoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, otoscopes, laryngoscopes as well as shelving, desks and chairs. Additional equipment has included a rapid CBC counter and an ultrasound machine.
Training
In addition to providing medical care, since 2013 OCHO has implemented a medical training program where our specialists meet with Atima’s medical personnel to offer educational workshops. Training has included in-services on ophthalmologic diagnosis, treatment for children with mental health problems, newborn resuscitation, diagnostic fetal ultrasound for following pregnancies and abdominal ultrasound for identifying tumors. This year we anticipate conducting an educational workshop on managing orthopedic emergencies.
Would you like to join the OCHO team by sharing your skills and services?
Contact the OCHO Board of Directors:
info@OCHO.org
OCHO
P.O Box 26162
Baltimore, MD 21210
