Constructing a cottage hospital in such a remote area may seem
like a daunting and expensive task but with the help of donors
and people on the ground we aim to make the dream a reality.
The
hospital will serve numerous outlying villages such as Lowerkot,
Preemkot, Malote, Kassian, Kassia Hallal, Rayat, Mistimba, Mandri,
Mera, Merasaroo, Merakhoord. More importantly it will save the
sick having to make a 3 hour journey by crowded bus to Dheerkot,
Chikar or even Muzaffarabad.
Our
plans include a 20-bed unit, with male, female and nursery wards,
consultation rooms, minor surgery theatre, dispensary, kitchen
and washing facilities Initially it will be staffed by VSO’s
who will teach local volunteers the basic skills required to
maintain the service in the longer term.
The cost of building the Cottage Hospital is estimated
at £100,000. Donors can make an immediate difference by
giving just £75 to sponsor a square foot of the hospital.
The target is to obtain sponsorship for all 5,500 sq ft of the
hospital. All pledges will then be recorded in perpetuity at
the site.
It
is hoped to start digging the foundations in February 2007,
weather permitting. Although we would like to start earlier
the heavy rainfalls in July and August tend to cause flooding.
We will bring you further updates as the project progresses.
Our
project manager in Noon Bagla is a villager called Waheed Gilani.
Click
here for his profile.
Click
here for plans for the Cottage Hospital
What
will a hospital mean for local women? Click
here
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