We met Maja and Milosh, a Macedonian paramedic and doctor, working for the Macedonian Red Cross at Tabanovste today. It was minus 6 degrees celcius when they started their shift this morning.
They've been at the post for the last 4 months, treating respiratory tract infections, chronic cardiovascular conditions, and severe complications of uncontrolled diabetes, and even occasionally helping women in labour. Food poisoning and infected wounds are also common. They have the support of the hospital at Kumonovo to which they can refer patients for inpatient treatment, paid for by the Macedonian health system.
As the train pulled into the platform worried mothers brought small children with coughs, red cheeks and wide eyes to the tent. A husband brought his heavily pregnant wife. And old lady brought her limping husband - Milosh gently dressed his foot ulcers and checked his blood sugar. Maja prescribed a cuddly frog and some protein biscuits for another little girl - they seemed to do the trick.
Faces relaxed as anxiety was relieved after seeing the medics, and people smiled outside the tent before beginning their 2km walk to the border. Many may not know when they'll be able to see a doctor again, but Milosh reassures them where necessary by writing them letters detailing his diagnosis and treatment plan for the MSF medics waiting at the next border.
They enjoy their work, but are frustrated - the transitory nature of their patients prevent them from being able to help with serious conditions requiring daily medication. Giving nebulisers to a 2 month old with bronchiolitis in the freezing cold is not a simple task, and yet is only a temporary fix. Still though, sometimes just a kind word, a warm hand, and simple advice goes a long way.
We take our hats off to you Milosh and Maja.
No comments:
Post a Comment