A Week in the Life of a Pharmacist-Medical Mission to Central America.
A day-by-day activities of humanitarian medical mission. Taking the knowledge, I acquired over the years and extending the practice of pharmacy on a global scale, applying my skills to contribute meaningfully to healthcare challenges worldwide.
By Hala Ghoson, Pharm D
February 10, 2024
Having dedicated several years to the practice of pharmacy, I am deeply appreciative of the chance to embark on an exceptional journey, immersing myself in humanitarian efforts across various countries and extending crucial healthcare support on a global scale. The realization that vital medical care remains elusive for those who need it the most serves as a driving force, reinforcing my determination to contribute meaningfully to healthcare initiatives at home and abroad, motivated by the stark reality that vital medical care often remains out of reach for millions of people worldwide.
When I was invited to join and become part of the BMDMI team “serving with compassion” mission and utilize my skillset as a licensed pharmacist providing pharmaceutical care to benefit the people of Central America , specifically Honduras, living in remote areas and facing acute shortages of fundamental resources was an incredible opportunity and felt it was my duty to contribute to this humanitarian cause and help make a difference in people’s lives who would otherwise have limited or no access substandard medical services. It felt nothing sort of an immense honor beyond anything else imaginable considering factors such personal growth opportunities while also giving back something meaningful towards societal upliftment from someone who has been fortunate enough to enjoy relatively comfortable standards living.
As I learned more about the people who are living in remote villages struggles with poverty and limited access to quality healthcare, clean water, and food, I knew that this mission would be both challenging and rewarding. With the help of our experienced mission lead, we navigated through rugged terrain to reach isolated communities and provide much-needed care. Obtaining permission to practice medicine in these underserved regions required being under the auspices of local doctor and presenting our qualifications and credentials to government officials and relevant authorities.
Upon our arrival in Honduras Friday evening, we lodged at the mission home for the initial two nights- a charming place with nice mountain view equipped with all essential amenities. Our journey kicked off with introductory meeting delving into planned activities and addressing immediate details, followed by our evening meal. The spacious home features several rooms, each equipped with bunk beds capable of accommodating 4-6 people if needed. I paired up with two team members, fostering a collaborative atmosphere throughout our stay.
Given the demanding nature of this trip, adequate sleep is of utmost importance. Ensuring a good night’s rest is crucial for our team, particularly as we’ll be immersed in extensive work throughout the week. We’ve become aware that early morning activities in certain villages, starting as early as 4:00 am, primarily stemming from general farming activities and the presence of livestock, contribute to significant noise levels. Additionally, in line with prior warnings, there’s a likelihood of loud barking from dogs in the village through the night near the area where we all sleeping in. Addressing these challenges is pivotal as we strive to strike a balance between our work commitments and the need for rest during this mission.
Saturday was more than just a day for relaxation; it became a valuable time for us to forge connections, know more about each other and ready ourselves for the tasks ahead. My focus during this day involved a thorough review of the medication list and attending to any last-minute preparations.
Early Sunday morning, we departed from the mission home to begin our journey to San Lucas, a village nestled three hours away. As we traversed challenging terrains, our path led us through the picturesque hillsides of Honduras, providing not only a physical journey but also an immersive experience in the vibrant landscapes of the region.
Upon our arrival in the village, the initial hours were a whirlwind of activity. Unloading our belongings, we sought out our designated rooms in the school to settle in. A dedicated team efficiently managed the transfer of equipment from the trucks, ensuring everything was in place for the upcoming clinic. With the latter half of the day reserved for initiating our clinic, meticulous arrangements were paramount. This attention to detail laid the foundation for a smooth start to our clinic activities, reinforcing our commitment to providing effective healthcare services in the village.
In our efforts to establish functional spaces, particular attention was directed towards the room designated for meal preparation. As trucks were unloaded and we worked to settle in, a group of team members actively assisted in assembling shelves and organizing the numerous cartons housing our food supplies. Amidst the hustle, a heartwarming aspect was a wonderful lady who accompanied us throughout our trip. Not only did she prepared delicious meals in the mission home and the village, but her presence also added a sense of warmth and familiarity to our mission and had impactful experience in the heart of the Honduran hills.
Prior to entering the meal-serving area, it was a mandatory step for us to wash and rinse our hands using distinct solutions provided at the entrance. This included a pan of soapy water, another with a mixture of water and bleach, and a designated container for hand sanitizer. Strict adherence to this protocol was enforced, and reentry into the meal preparation area was only permitted once hands have been thoroughly washed and rinsed, ensuring hygiene standards are upheld.
Following our lunch, we proceeded with unloading the trucks and commenced planning for our scheduled activities. We diligently prepared the pharmacy, medical, dental, and clothes and shoes distribution area.
While in the village, attendance at all team meetings and meals throughout the week was mandatory. It is expected that everyone is ready for breakfast by 6:30 am, with the intention to commence our daily activities at 7:30 am. After breakfast the medical and pharmacy team enjoys a brief morning walk to the clinic, relishing the calm atmosphere of the village. Upon arrival, we encounter a line of patients already registered and eager to be seen. Notably, some villagers travel from remote areas, departing as early as 5:00 am to reach the clinic. Once the medical team starts attending to patients, the pharmacy initiates a line for those with prescriptions to be filled.
Our days in the pharmacy were often hectic, especially when we saw close to 400 patients on certain days. Despite the intensity, our team consistently ensured that every prescription was filled, making us the last to finish each day. In the pharmacy, my role involved reviewing medication lists, checking for drug interactions, allergies, dosing, dispensing medication and providing counseling. Meanwhile, other team members efficiently filled prescriptions, interpreted for the locals, and assisted in organizing the line. It was a busy yet smoothly coordinated effort.
Lunch is consistently served at noon, with activities commencing at 1:00 pm daily. Evening meals are provided around 6:00 pm. It’s crucial to note that all the water we consume, whether at the mission home or in the village, must strictly come from designated containers. This applies not only to drinking but also when brushing our teeth; we use water poured from specific containers designated for our team, avoiding regular water use.
For personal hygiene, outdoor showers were ingeniously constructed by our mission lead and his team. These showers boast running hot water and a small storage area for our clothes, ensuring we maintain cleanliness even in more rustic conditions.
Cell phone and telephone services were consistently available at the mission home, offering a reliable means of communication. However, in the villages, the services proved to be more erratic. Although I was able to make arrangements for international calling, we were advised against using our cell phones during the day while engaged in our mission work. This policy aimed to ensure our undivided focus on the tasks at hand, prioritizing the impactful work we were there to accomplish.
As our time in the village approached its conclusion on Wednesday, we attended a church service in the evening where the children and adults assemble to warmly greet all the team members, creating a memorable culmination to our mission in the village.
Early Thursday morning, the wind was so strong that it disrupted our sleep. Nevertheless, we were up and ready by 5:00 am to depart the village and return to the mission home. In the afternoon, we visited and toured the Children’s Home in Guimaca, where we spent a few hours enjoying our time with the children.
We designated Friday for relaxation and reflection, meticulously reviewing a checklist for the upcoming year’s trip. This day included a delightful excursion to the Valley of the Angels, a scenic two-hour journey where the team indulged in a day of shopping and a leisurely lunch.
On Saturday, an early departure from the mission home marked the beginning of our journey back to U.S. Each team member, having concluded their impactful mission, headed back to their respective states. The shared experiences, both in the village and during our leisure activities, contributed to the camaraderie among the team, fostering lasting memories of our meaningful time in Honduras.
As I reflect back on my time spent serving people who live in remote areas without access to healthcare, it reminds me just exactly why organizations dedicated towards improving global public health exist. It makes all contributions seem even smaller knowing it’s helping someone somewhere else out there and enhancing their well-being.
During this mission, our medical team provided healthcare to 1,008 people and 5,200 prescriptions were filled. In certain cases where patients couldn’t come to the clinic, we made home visits to attend to their needs. Our dental team attended 133 patients and pulled 225 teeth. During the week, we distributed bags of beans and rice to hundreds of people and distributed more than 400 personal hygiene kits.
We also distributed a variety of clothes to more than 800 people and fitted 250 children/adults with new shoes. We also left a large variety of school supply for children who attend the school where we stayed.
Those who provided veterinary care treated 370 animals (cows, horses, donkeys, mules, dogs). The Evangelism team also distributed 50 water filtration system and offered evangelical services and activities to adults and children.
The experience in Honduras allowed me to understand how crucial it is to provide quality care while facing resource constraints. The opportunity granted us to demonstrate adaptability when faced with limited resources found in many developing countries. This experience allowed us to understand the importance of providing accessible healthcare services to those who need it most.