“Our zone is a war zone, and on top of that, there are trauma cases from road traffic accidents and the like. The needs are massive. The two primary hospitals in the zone are only functioning partially, because of the security situation – one of them almost not at all. So, a lot depends on the Shambu General Hospital, where casualties are referred to. We are receiving weapon-wounded patients every day. Sometimes, mass casualties are brought to the hospital, especially after clashes involving militias or other groups.
We are facing a variety of trauma patients, from mild to severe cases. We divide them into three categories. The minor cases, we can treat and discharge quickly. This is the largest group. Then we have patients with moderate injuries, which we admit and treat. Most will be fine, although some must be referred to Nekemte hospital, about 150 kilometers from Shambu. Finally, a few patients need specific care at higher institutions, like plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery. So, one patient may need a general surgeon, as well as a plastic surgeon, as well as a neurosurgeon. Those patients are referred to Addis Ababa, 320 kilometers away.”
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