Donating Birthing Beds & Maternity
Ward Supplies
On January 05, 2006 We donated a birthing
bed and a tool trolley to the maternity
word in Kerugoya District Hospital in
Kenya. Although this could be considered
relatively small deed it has made an enormous
difference to many women including the
staff of maternity ward. It was a joyful
day for all of us, especially for the
mid-wife and nurses.
For many mothers giving birth to a child
is the most important event in her life.
To bring a child into the world and hold
the baby she has carried for nine months
is an incredibly moving and defining moment
for her.
In Western and European countries, the
wellbeing of a pregnant women is taken
seriously and proper care and facilities
are provided. Most facilities are clean
and furnished with modern equipment.
Unfortunately in many parts of the world
mothers are not that fortunate. I have
visited many maternity wards in Africa,
especially in Kenya. Often the site of
a monk in these facilities is shocking
and many wonder why I am there. In numerous
occasions nurses and maternity staff has
told me the hardships and challenges they
face everyday in birthing rooms without
proper equipment and facilities.
I have seen the poor conditions of the
government hospitals. Most of the maternity
wards have rusted and broken equipment
like that illustrated in the photo above.
The atmosphere of the rooms is dark, gloomy
and very unpleasant. Each time I visit
one of these facilities I am disturbed
and saddened.
Regardless of nationality, skin color
or ethnicity all mothers deserve clean,
safe and comfortable surroundings in which
to give birth. They deserve the respect
and admiration of us all. And they deserve
our help.
Based on my experiences in Kenya, I have
made a commitment that we will use Triple
Gem funds to help as many of these maternity
wards as possible. We have already made
plans to provide additional birthing beds
and maternity ward equipment to another
hospital, Nakuru District Hospital, in
March of this year. Our 2006 humanitarian
projects in Africa will include more birthing
beds and maternity ward equipment and
supplies. We have found a local wholesale
medical equipment importer and supplier
who has promised to give us a good discount
on new equipment.
Kathy Meth and her friends in Rockland
County, New York held an event and raised
the money for the birthing bed and equipment
supplied to Kerugoya District Hospital.
I am grateful to Kathy, her family and
friends who made it possible to make a
difference to many mothers in this remote
part of the world. I would also like to
thank, Moni Kohli the new chairperson
of Triple Gem Society in Kenya who worked
hard with me to obtain and deliver the
equipment to the hospital.
With love and blessings,
Bhante Wimala
