We met with a doctor who discussed with us the 200-bed hospital. Patients from throughout India and other countries, such as Afghanistan or Nepal, come to the center to receive free care. There is a 10 to 15 day waiting period for inpatient care.
The Rotary Cancer Center is funded by the government and supplemented by Rotary and other groups. The hospital is part of a larger complex that serves a staggering 10,000 patients a day. There is a constant stream of people filling the crowded waiting rooms. We received a tour of the hospital, which was to say the least, an eye-opener.
Afterwards, we went to Hauz Khas Village and toured old ruins before having lunch at a restaurant in a lush park. Up next up was an orphanage of Human Care International, which hit us like a ton of bricks.
We were greeted by a saint-like man dressed in all white who gave us a tour of the complex. Many of the more than 150 kids who live there are children of lepers. It was explained to us that there was no hope for these children as no school would accept them for fear of being infected with the disease.
The orphanage gives these children a place to stay and study while keeping them off the streets. The center also serves women who were abused and left on the roadside along with those who are HIV positive. Additionally, there's a home for the mentally challenged and the unwanted elderly.
Right now they are raising money to build a hospital next to the orphanage. We toured the construction of the hospital, which like most everything else around here is done by hand.
During a ceremony held with all the children we were given the best chai I've tasted so far along with a cookie and another flower garland. Together we sang "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and "Mary had a Little Lamb." We were all deeply touched by this place.
In the evening, we visited India Gate (above) and the Rashtrapati Bhavan, which was still all lit up in honor of Republic Day.
1 comment:
Mike,
Thanks for sharing your trip in so much detail--it is quite an eye opener for all of us. We are becoming more educated about India. Keep on encouraging, caring & smiling! You're all in our thoughts & prayers!
Love,
Dad & Mom
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