There are several US military teams that assist the local Iraqi military in various tasks such as healthcare, water purification, military training, etc. Our medical clinic staff was allowed to go with one of these teams to the nearby Iraqi Army Base to see their base and clinic.
We rode in our battle gear in an armored truck off base. The trip wasn't that far, but it was a little scary to realize that we had passed outside the security of the American base. Our gunner had several plastic bags filled with candy and threw them to children on the route.
At the Iraqi base, we met with the translators and then actually met the general of the base. We were told that typically they would share chai or a meal w/ us, but could not becuase of Ramadan. During Ramadan (which lasts about a month), those who are Muslim cannot eat, drink, smoke (and some don't even receive vaccines) between sunrise and sunset. When it is 120 degrees outside, this makes for a very dehydrating condition. We did not eat or drink when we were on the base either, out of respect for their religion.
After being greeted by the general, we headed off to see the water purification area. One of the problems is the lack of electricity in Iraq. Despite the hot temperatures, the air conditioning is not turned on until about 1000 to conserve power. At times, they have to decide between having electricity in buildings (to power lights, a/c) and purifying the water.
The highlight of the trip to the water purification area for me was getting to climb to the top of ther water tower. Haven't you ever watched those movies were kids or adults climb up there? I've always wanted to do that. Well I did. It was a long climb but had a wonderful view from the top. Apparently, my climb (or ability to climb, not sure which) surprised a lot of the Iraqi soilders. When I got towards the bottom on my climb down, the Iraqis were standing by the ladder taking pictures of me.
We then trekked off to the clinic. All in all, the clinic is very nicely set up. It has an emergency area, several exam rooms, a dental area (you'd swear you were in an American dental clinic), an xray machine. The unfortunate thing is that several of the areas don't have working equipment. The xray machine and dental xray machine appear state of the art, but have been broken for about 2 years.
Another interesting thing is the number of people who have been seen for a chronic condition by doctors for several years, but want an American doctor's opinion or what an American doctor to fix them. People will bring many sheets of lab and imaging results and want a second opinion. For the most part, the Iraqi doctors are very accurate in their diagnoses and treatments. But it seems that people think the Americans can fix any health problem.
Another interesting thing is the number of people who have been seen for a chronic condition by doctors for several years, but want an American doctor's opinion or what an American doctor to fix them. People will bring many sheets of lab and imaging results and want a second opinion. For the most part, the Iraqi doctors are very accurate in their diagnoses and treatments. But it seems that people think the Americans can fix any health problem.
More to come later!
