USNS Comfort in Haiti

Last Friday I went to Haiti to observe the remarkable health diplomacy being done by the USNS Comfort, a Navy Hospital Ship President Bush deployed into Latin America. As we flew into Port-au-Prince, the capital city, the Comfort’s white glistening paint stood out beautifully against the coral blue water.

The city looked about as it did the last time I was there, in the early 1980s. The poverty of Haiti is well documented. It was rewarding to see doctors, dentists, nurses and technicians ministering to the lines of thousands who waited.

I met with the Minister of Health in Haiti. He is an OBGYN. Much of our conversation revolved around a challenge I observe in every country I visit — the shortage of health workers. He pointed out that most of the medical professionals in Haiti have left the country; hospitals close as a result and most people go without health care. There is a special place in heaven for those who stay behind and do their best to take care of people.

So far during the Comfort’s 5 days in Haiti, I was told over 9,000 people have been treated, some in several different ways. I watched people being given used glasses American’s have donated. I saw dental work being done in portable chairs.

Mothers brought their children, some of whom where taken immediately to the ship for surgery. I’ll post a few pictures that tell the story better than I can.

Haiti is one of 12 countries the Comfort will have visited. In the past three months more than 72,000 people have been treated. More than 800 surgeries ranging from minor to major procedures. All kinds of procedures and other services are rendered; Medical equipment in local hospitals get repaired, water systems in communities are rebuilt, and veterinarians train locals on how to avoid diseases.

The presence of the ship and the excitement it brings to the ports it enters changes the lives of thousands of individual people and their families. The ship also serves as a reminder of our nation’s compassion and partnership. Health is the universal language. Health diplomacy is a powerful and important tool in our foreign policy as a nation.

www.globalhealth.gov

Comments

Mr. Secretary,

I am almost ashamed to post this. I will though because it is necessary.

I cannot compare my life to a Haitians. There is no comparison. My husband spent time as a missionary in Haiti. I cannot imagine experiencing the life challenges that a Haitian faces each and every day.

As Americans we pay taxes to build up our country, our healthcare system, etc AND provide relief all over the world. We work hard for the quality of life that we have. Not that the Haitians don't, its just a different type of work experience.

Now for the part that shames me a bit. I have 5 broken teeth that I cannot afford to fix. I know that these broken teeth could affect my overall health. We do not have a good dental plan. When we do have money for health care purchases we typically purchase hearing aids ($2500 each) so my husband can continue working. These are never covered by health insurance and they need to be replaced every few years after constant use.

I need glasses. Age is taking its toll but I cannot afford the exam and the prescrition. I purchase over-the-counter reading glasses.

My point is....we work. We work hard. We do not spend money on frivolous things. We stick to the basics.

As I have said before, I do not begrudge others medical care. I am very glad that we are able to help people all over the world to have basic medical and dental care but there are Americans who are worse off than I am and children in the US that are going without. Of course, we wouldn't receive any bonus points around the world if we merely kept to taking care of our own people. Does that sound cynical? I don't mean to but why else are we not making sure that medical care is affordable and available to all in the US?

I guess that I want you to realize that all we do elsewhere in the world comes at a cost to us as Americans. A cost that is worth it when one strives to put themselves last and not first, but a cost nonetheless. We are told to count the cost. I have and I am willing to do without. It still disturbs me that there are US citizens who are suffering far, far worse than I.

Posted by: standingfirm | September 13, 2007 at 01:35 PM

Sandingfirm,

I hear you. Blogs are for posting thoughts and feelings.

Many years ago there where two whales trapped under some ice. People and news crews rushed in to save them. The teachable moment was cartoon showing two homeless people on the side walk putting on whale costumes. The caption read "Here put this on and maybe someone will rescue us." I hear what you say - we are treating Hatians better than we treat ourselves.

How ever Dr. Leavitt I do like the idea of sending the great white boat, the USN Comfort, around instead of a show of force. Teddy Roosevelt sent "The great white fleet" around the world.

People like definable problems with definite answers that people can do. Right now digital globe has put the pictures of the search area for people to search and report anything they see. This is defined problem that people can participate in.

Now health care, Pandemic, etc are more difficult. Worse, fixing the problem afterwards is cheaper than preparing for it before hand.

Still there is one common theme - train people in medical care. Help them help themselves.

"If you plan for a year, plant a seed. If you plan for ten years, plant a tree. If you plan for a lifetime or for a hundred years, teach the people. When you sow a seed once, you will reap a single harvest. When you teach the people, you will reap a hundred harvests. " -- Kuan Chung

I am sad that as soon as people become doctors they leave.

Regards,
Allen

Posted by: Allen | September 14, 2007 at 12:20 PM

Dr. Leavitt,

The discussion on the USN comfort is good. During a disaster the USN comfort and her crew are a mobile hospital for a city.

While I like what California did by purchasing their own mobile hospitals, the Comfort is unique.

Of course what will a hospital charge during an emergency? Here is anrtical from near Washington DC call Virginia. It talks about hospitals offering at least 5% of thieir services for free to the poor. Source:
http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=132600&ran=151016&tref=po

I prefer to help the poor up and not empower nor reward them for being poor. Each day we take from teh world - air, food, water, shelter and should be willing to give back atleast what we take.

I hope the hospitals or another agency can find work for the folks so they can repay their debts with services rendered. Though this might be impossible as "Once a business has more than X number of employees it must offer health care."

In 1918 people either health insurance was rare and there was little governemnt invlovement. Today healthcare is almost seen as a right or service to be provided.

After fighting and help in winning two world wars we are less tolerant of abandening folks. Yet why tax person A to render services for person B. Why not let person B work off their debts, even the debts of others?

Yes I am a dreamer. It is not that simple. It is the direction I want to go even if we do not get there. The opposit direction is worse - IMHO.

Regards,
Allen

H5N1 continues to spread.

Posted by: Allen | September 16, 2007 at 12:55 PM

The USN Comfort is a great service but there are 27 thousand Cuban "doctors" in Venezuela alone.

Posted by: Dr Mark | September 25, 2007 at 05:20 PM