Showing Christ's Love Through Medical Equipment

September 6, 2013 • South Sudan
South Sudan Maban Hospital

An x-ray machine in a refugee camp in South Sudan is allowing doctors to give better care to patients.

By Jake Newberry, a field accountant in South Sudan who has worked with Samaritan’s Purse since 2008.

X-ray machines are common life-saving medical devices used in doctor’s offices, health clinics, and hospitals around the world. But until recently, the Samaritan’s Purse hospital in Maban County in South Sudan had been operating without access to this useful technology.

We were finally able to acquire one earlier this year. It has already been such a blessing to the refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan’s war-torn state of Blue Nile, as well as helping people in the surrounding communities.

Doctors, with the assistance of the radiology technician, are now able to properly diagnose afflictions such as tuberculosis, fractures, dislocations, and other medical ailments. With the help of the digital x-ray machine, doctors are able to formulate a proper treatment plan and better assist patients on their road to recovery.

South Sudan Maban Hospital

Habsa Wange was treated for a dislocated elbow.

“This addition to our hospital has brought positive changes in the care of patients and management of their injuries, as the digital x-ray offers instant images to give patients immediate care, thereby limiting pain and suffering,” said Dr. Evan Atar, who has been with Samaritan’s Purse for the past 12 years. 

In addition to providing a quick and accurate medical diagnosis, the x-ray machine allows the staff to use their skills while serving patients. Dora Newberry, the radiology technician, came to Samaritan’s Purse earlier this year to help run the program and train local staff in medical laboratory procedures and operation of the digital x-ray.

“I thank God that we are able to provide the services that we do now and look forward to continuing to help patients and train staff,” said Dora, who finds joy in seeing smiles on the young patients’ faces.

James William Falko, another staff member, has been with Samaritan’s Purse since 2004. He previously worked at our hospital in Kurmuk but was forced to flee when the Sudan Armed Forces took over the town.  James then settled with his wife and three children in Doro refugee camp and now helps with the digital x-ray procedures.

He said the machine has proven to be beneficial for the medical staff, as well as the patients being cared for.

“I am excited to have and learn this digital x-ray to provide better medical services to the community,” James said.

South Sudan Maban Hospital

Mohammed Al Mella was treated for a fractured femur.

One of the beneficiaries of the x-ray machine is Sila, a 12-year-old boy who arrived at the Doro refugee camp in 2012 after fleeing Blue Nile state with his family. Sila recently injured himself while climbing a tree. With the expertise of the Samaritan’s Purse hospital staff, the x-ray machine revealed he had broken his elbow and a cast was properly put into place to help strengthen and heal the area.

The hospital staff is grateful for the digital x-ray machine, which has created an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ while meeting the physical needs of individuals in Maban County.

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