We just learned that Major Dean Pallant (IHQ
inspector) and another visitor (not in uniform) were out inspecting
developments at the new hospital site this past week, saying that they intended
to start the necessary changes and 'open it soon'. This will include new
equipment for the laundry, kitchen and maintenance departments, and rebuilding
the mortuary, as well as moving forward with water, electricity and sewage.
The local population an staff are wondering how
they will maintain and staff the new hospital, as there is little money
available to even maintain the present hospital. Many major sources of funding
have withheld support due the tragedy that ensued following Dr. Thisle's unfair
dismissal 14 months ago. And staff who have left or died have not been
replaced; 'open it soon'?
Consider this: at three times the size of the
present facility, the new hospital will require at least three times the
funding. It is likely they will have to increase the fees. Will it
then become a private hospital, like the Secondary School? And will the local
people tolerate that (they own the land, not the Salvation Army) ? 'Open
it soon'?
Alternatively, if unable to support it,
they will be forced sometime in the future to abandon it, a repeat of an
earlier fiscal boondoggle, but the next one at up to three time the cost,
(then) a 4-5 million dollar bungle.
It would be interesting to know what, if any,
financial advice from outside the Army was sought. The present occupancy of the
hospital and capacity of its staff certainly does not warrent this expansion.
Has the Zim government, THQ Canada, IHQ, or USA Territories guaranteed the
funding? Has USA AID or the SA's SAWSO been allowed to loosen the sanctions in
place with reference to trade and support of Zimbabwean domestic projects
controlled, even in part, by
As yet, there is no policy to transfer patients
to Karanda. That would immediately improve the reputation of the
hospital, increase its numbers, and could be of some assistance to Karanda
Mission Hospital in providing on-going care in return.
14 comments:
Well this is very interesting news.
Given the funding and staffing issues pointed out in this blog entry, it appears IHQ is just desperately trying to prove they have good intentions after what they've done.
The new hospital already is and has been a boondoggle for a long time - when was it built? 10 years ago?
It seems that there has been one development at HH. According to Twitter, Dean Pallant says:
Dean Pallant @Dean_Pallant 9 Oct
In the admin office at Howard Hospital in Zimbabwe with access to wifi - progress! Good to see lots of progress all round #fb
Perhaps we can hear more about what is happening besides there being WiFi at Howard Hospital.
How can he talk about progress after saying there was nothing wrong in the first place? WiFi is good, yes, but it doesn't replace medical expertise.
And why did they send him? He' hasn't proved himself to be an example of veracity so far. I speak of his previous - factually differing - statements.
Well, you certainly improve your vocabulary on this site! Boondoggle is a new word for me - I googled it and found out it was the british equivalent of a 'white elephant'. Let's hope this new development doesn't become TSA's "Suvarnabhoondoggle" (Golden Boondoggle).
Honesty and transparency would certainly be cheaper.
From the ground - Zim
The Swedish Salvationist physician Per Lindgren's Zimbabwean work permit (physician-surgeon-teacher) was denied. Perhaps Pallant's agenda icludes trying to clear that one up as well. Two potential challeging problems: 1) If he is to be doing anything medical, including training, he will need to do the orientation in Harare - and oversee HH from there? 2) If he is to be the hospital administrator only, a qualified Zimbabwean should be the first choice- younger, national, kows the systems-loops, language, contact persons, etc.
As more on-the-ground news comes to hand, You heard it here first.
FSAOF on the ground in ZIM!
Excellent detective work!
But what a shambles for TSA. This could all have been avoided with a smidgeon of honesty and Christian grace.
OK HH- So you've made it into the modern world! Now, test your wifi, tell the world with photos and narrative all the good that's taking place- but, with a twist! A neutral source only - no spin, please.
my heart cry's out for the innocent victims in all of this huge debacle. TSA is letting her people down, whilst turning a blind eye to the corruption of her leaders and their cohorts!
Oh how our Lord must be weeping over this.
I agree - well said.
Nah, I believe the Lord is rejoicing in all the good work that is going on in his name at HH.
A 'glass half full' person
Time will tell.
A 'glass half full' person with the glass on a shelf edge.
Be careful now, it could well easily topple ;);) Just move it a bit away from the edge!
How will time tell as to whether God is rejoicing or weeping? All good metaphorical use of words....;)
'it could well easily topple'
Exactly.
'.....my heart cries out for the innocent victims in all of this huge debacle'.
You may be right - God may well be rejoicing if there is anything good going on at HH - but I don't believe he has forgotten the people TSA has wronged. Just 'doing right' does not cancel out the wrong.
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