Monday we woke up early, eager to begin clinic. This was held in Shafquat’s office. Tony and Kiran spent a lot of time examining the patients with the local residents. Shafquat had pre-screened more than 110 patients and we had a list of all those who would be coming that day. Tony and Kiran accepted 70 for surgery. Many of the other patients were referred to Susie, our hand therapist, for treatment
instead of surgery. The room was very crowded, but all of us were so interested in seeing the patients and participating in the clinic. Because our boxes were blocked at the airport, the whole team was able to participate in clinic—something that is rare on an Interplast trip. Usually many of the volunteers are busy setting up the operating rooms and the recovery room while clinic is being held and they are unable to participate for any length of time.
Shafquat was not able to obtain a hemocue for the pediatrician, so they devised a plan to have only those who she was a bit worried about sent to the lab for a hemoglobin test. Otherwise we didn’t really suffer from the lack of equipment and supplies. The day was long and the team was tired. All day we anxiously awaited news of our boxes. The team remained optimistic and kept saying they were sure that we would get them in the afternoon. By the end of the day, with little good news about the supplies, the team seemed a bit on edge.
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