Tubectomy camp: Dhariwal
Singh, S.; Lucas, W.
Journal of the Christian Medical Association of India 46(10): 539-543
1971
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-5443 PMID: 12256237 Document Number: 312887
The joint operation of a tubectomy camp by India's Government Health Service, Gurdaspur District, and the Salvation Army's MacRobert Hospital, Dhariwal, is described, emphasizing the important potential for cooperation between national and voluntary agencies in family planning programs. District health officials provided the hospital with all the extra beds, linens, surgical wear, gloves and instruments, and medicines needed for the additional patients, who received free transportation in government vehicles and hospital ambulances. A surgical team from the district health headquarters operated along with hospital staff on the 2 days devoted to tubectomies. The camp reached its target of 300 operations within 3 weeks of its January 1971 opening, and by mid-February a second camp was opened in the Civil Hospital, Gurdaspur. Due to prior training as well as rapport with local women, female field staff from the Primary Health Center were found to be the most effective motivators. Volunteers received Rs. 12 and motivators Rs. 4 when the tubectomy was performed as a routine hospital procedure. Tubectomy performed in camp paid the patient Rs. 15 diet money in addition to incentive pay. When a minimum of 300 tubectomies were performed in 1 center by 1 team in 6 weeks time, patients received Rs. 35 and motivators received Rs. 10. Prior to surgery, each patient was checked for blood pressure, urine, and cardiovascular and respiratory function. An average of 10 patients per hour passed through the 2 theaters, with 2 doctors operating and 1 giving anesthesia (spinal, 5% heavy xylocaine). All patients received parenteral penicillin and streptomycin daily during 2 days of postoperative care, and for 4 days after discharge through visits by Primary Health Centre staff. Vitamin-C and multivitamin tablets for 1 week plus a supply of Anacin were also given to each woman, and patients with a hemoglobin of less than 10 g per cent were given one month's supply of ferrous sulphate and folic acid. No serious case of infection was reported by the Primary Health Centre staff; the most common complications were headaches, backaches and nausea, which cleared before discharge. A follow-up survey was planned. A significant contribution was felt to have been made to the family planning program in the district, including considerable publicity. The tubectomy camp also provided the opportunity to disseminate health information to large numbers of women with small children; daily ward talks were given using flash cards. Both the Indian Government and the Salvation Army Mission Health Services are completely satisfied with the working relationship now established.