Birthing Center Renovations

[Bruce]

( www.youtube.com and use * philippine basic needs * as a tag phrase to locate the videos if the link does not work) This is a link to the short video about the current renovation of the local birthing center I am funding. Basically it is a building from the 1950's, formerly quite busy now fallen into disrepair and it is run by a volunteer group of appointed professionals who, as far as I can see, ignore the place and simply use the appointment as another notation on their resume. The local hospital is 1.5 steps better than this place is now getting most all non squatter births. I hope to change this. The Philippines has some what of a high morbidity and mortality rate (not good things) and there is always pressure on the government to lower these rates. In response to that pressure, the usual and very common response, world wide in 3rd world countries, is to create a bare bones very basic rubber stamping midwife training program. Interesting thing here is that 'by law', I, a OBGYN trained RN with years experience in high risk pregnancies as well as labor and delivery and being board certified back in 1997 as well as PALS/NALS (baby things) certified....... well I can not qualify for a license due to the fact I am a (damn) foreigner. HOWEVER a Philippine citizen (usually 99.99% women) who is unable to read or write past grade school level, has very basic assessment skills taught to them can become a midwife... which, if you watch the video, according to the 2 midwives interviewed, have 2 (YES TWO!) days training in episiotomy procedure, suturing and IV insertion! And the job pays 6,000p a month. Nurses make 8,000p a month. Is there any questions as to why nurses want to go abroad and work? They can make 6,000p in one shift! Anyway, what kind of training and caliber of midwife applicants do you think you will get if the end job pays 6,000p a month? So I am trying to fix up the building and provide medical equipment and supplies. When I return again, I shall start some 1st world training for the local midwives. If any of you forum members are in the US and want to copy the link to the video with a short explination and email to any and all medical professionals you may know, the charity I run is IRS approved and any donations of equipment or cash is tax deducatable in the US. Anyway, I am making progress and maybe just maybe, a few mothers and babies might have a better outcome once the training is underway. Edited November 21, 2011 by Bossman
added video

[Old55]

Good for you Bruce I wish you the best of luck.

[Call me bubba]

Curious. did you post a sign stating this was done without "Government Funding"? or are the parasites, OH i mean elected officials ,trying to CLAIM CREDIT for the rehab?Again Bruce thank you for helping those who need the help, that "others" fail to help.unless its election time.

[Bruce]

Curious. did you post a sign stating this was done without "Government Funding"? or are the parasites, OH i mean elected officials ,trying to CLAIM CREDIT for the rehab?Again Bruce thank you for helping those who need the help,that "others" fail to help.unless its election time.

As I understand it, it is more of 'Bruce is my friend and he did this because I / we asked him to do it.' Which is not true. Since the tank is operational for less than a month so far and has been such a success, I want to stop any rumors before they start about who did what and that the local government gets no credit.

[Papa Carl]

Well done Bruce, you make me ashamed of not doing more, and you motivate to do so. Many thanks Papa Carl