Message from the 2020 Ecuador Medical / Dental Mission
The Team left for Cuenca, Ecuador Jan. 24. Our team of 60 individuals arrived in Cuenca Jan. 25 and we received a warm welcome from the local Rotary Club, and from Dr. Avila and his family.
The Dental Team consisted of 5 dentists and their assistants. They treated all the patients before surgery. The Dental Team treated children in rural schools, in an orphanage, and in a shelter for Venezuelan refugees.
The Team left for Cuenca, Ecuador Jan. 24. Our team of 60 individuals arrived in Cuenca Jan. 25 and we received a warm welcome from the local Rotary Club, and from Dr. Avila and his family. We had some challenges. We had requested a letter of Invitation on a weekly basis over a period of 5 or 6 months and the hospital that had been so welcoming before, suddenly indicated that we would not be able to go there. That was on Dec. 26, 3 or 4 weeks before our departure. Thankfully Dr. Avila located another hospital that welcomed us and we were able to serve many patients there.
One big problem was the lack of a large autoclave. We were able to sterilize the instruments at another hospital, but initially, there were problems with the sterility so that the process had to be repeated. This caused frustrating delays in surgery. We saw many patients in consultation. We were able to do 34 hip and knee replacement surgeries. The patients who were not surgical candidates received injections into the painful joints, physiotherapy and advice, as well as walking aids or a brace. All the patients did well following their surgery, and most patients were discharged from the hospital the day after their surgery.
The Dental Team consisted of 5 dentists and their assistants. They treated all the patients before surgery to make sure there was no evidence of infection and that there was good dental care. The Dental Team treated children in rural schools, in an orphanage, and in a shelter for Venezuelan refugees.
I visited Adinea school. Our Club plans to be involved with the Tomebamba Club in obtaining computers and other items for these mentally challenged children. The Rotarians from the Tomebamba Club in Cuenca were very helpful for our entire stay. They have a very active Club and it was a joy to work with them!
Team members arrived home safely during this past week. We were sleep-deprived but happy and thankful that we were richly blessed during this Mission! We aimed to show compassion to these fine Ecuadorean people. The patients were very grateful for the help received.
The hospital administration promptly gave us a Letter of Invitation for the next 3 years!
Sincerely, Thomas Greidanus MD, FRCSC, Team Leader “Operation Esperanza”, Riverview Rotary Club
