Today 21st May, five of us went to The Nairobi Wmone’s Hospital -Myself, Vipon,Punita,Laxmi and Amelia. Prafulla had to go Naivasha so couldn’t join us and Bhavna went to mombasa.We did not call up all members as mutually decided by Punita and myself.
At the reception we were told they were expecting us and everyone we spoke to were familiar with the mention of LHSG. Following are the details:
Upon reaching the GVRC reception LHSG members were escorted to the board room. They were joined by a four mamber team from GVRC—namely1. Mr. Simon Kibe Kibue,the hospital’s Human Resources and Administration Manager. 2.Ms Alberta Wambua, the Deputy Programmes Manager, 3. Ms Grace Mwangi,Deputy Marketing Manager and 4. Sister Alice Kibui,Nurse Manager. Mr. Simon addressed the group members and informed that he was representing Dr. Sam Thenya and apologised on his behalf for being unable to be present.
LHSG was represented by Monica Gokaldas, Punita Acharya, Laxmi Vellani, Dr. Vipon Bhakri and Amelia. After exchanging greetings and taking seats Monica first explained to the GVRC team about the various activites conducted by the group and their involvement with the NWH/GVRC. Simon mentioned that they were aware of the involvement and have been briefed about the group by Dr. Sam Thenya. They all mutually were appreciative of the donations and healings provided by LHSG and reminded that the group had in the past brought in contributions of sanitary napkins and panties besides some other articles.
Punita informed the GVRC about the various charitable projects undertaken by LHSG and the free reiki courses conducted on a regular basis. Then she presented Simon with a cheque for kshs 15,000.00 on behalf of the group. Monica mentioned to them That Mrs. Tolia had travelled hence was unable to join that day, and gave to them Mrs. Tolia’s visiting cards for further reference.
Simon further did an oral presentation about GVRC. The GVRC first commenced in 2001 and is a charitable trust. Since then they have been conducting various excercises for the care and treatment of abused women,children and men. He informed that the hospital gets roughly about 2800 cases per year and on an average they get 230 new cases per month. They have been helping some of the patients on a long term basis and even facilitate and provide for their transport,medication and councelling besides training the victims family members in more severe and traumatised cases.
The youngest victim of sexual abuse brought to the hospital was a one month old girl and the oldest was a 105 year old woman. On an average 45% victims brought are children, 6% are men and the rest are women. They cater for in house and out sourced clinical examinations of the patients and also are supported by the law. They often go and rescue the victims from the clutches of the offenders or families with police accompaniment and legal documentation.
The two groups then had some refreshments and a photo session together and the LHSG proceeded to the wards for healing along with sister Alice. Sister Alice joined in the healing this time and brought in some personal requests as well.
Monica Gokaldas
LHSG Member