As a psychiatric trainee reading the above article I found myself
speculating ‘what’s next?’ Dr. khan hit the nail on the head by
highlighting that the collective needs of doctors need to be harnessed.
Unfortunately I have concerns whether there full potential will be
channelled effectively. The consequence of the earthquake in Oct.05 is no
doubt our Katrina but we must not forget the millions of Pakistanis living
in rural areas with no access to a decent medical/ mental health service.
Individuals leading commendable voluntary organizations must understand
the need to coordinate their efforts effectively by providing a truly
mobile service. This will allow them to expand and share their services
simply for the benefit of the patient. An official body if formed by them
would not only represents all of these volunteer services, but also
provide clear facts on geographical and health expertise (medicine,
surgery or mental health) needs requiring further support.
As a trainee the one I would like being formed is provision of a
gateway for medical volunteers to channel their services. With a list of
enlisted volunteers and the dates they can offer such a body could
coordinate many successful clinics where needed. In the UK there are a
number of willing trainees and consultants keen to donate a few days for
such a rewarding service. Pakistan’s poorly developed psychiatric services
would clearly benefit from such a scheme.
Rapid Response:
The key is after ‘jazba’.
As a psychiatric trainee reading the above article I found myself
speculating ‘what’s next?’ Dr. khan hit the nail on the head by
highlighting that the collective needs of doctors need to be harnessed.
Unfortunately I have concerns whether there full potential will be
channelled effectively. The consequence of the earthquake in Oct.05 is no
doubt our Katrina but we must not forget the millions of Pakistanis living
in rural areas with no access to a decent medical/ mental health service.
Individuals leading commendable voluntary organizations must understand
the need to coordinate their efforts effectively by providing a truly
mobile service. This will allow them to expand and share their services
simply for the benefit of the patient. An official body if formed by them
would not only represents all of these volunteer services, but also
provide clear facts on geographical and health expertise (medicine,
surgery or mental health) needs requiring further support.
As a trainee the one I would like being formed is provision of a
gateway for medical volunteers to channel their services. With a list of
enlisted volunteers and the dates they can offer such a body could
coordinate many successful clinics where needed. In the UK there are a
number of willing trainees and consultants keen to donate a few days for
such a rewarding service. Pakistan’s poorly developed psychiatric services
would clearly benefit from such a scheme.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests