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Finding adequate medical care is a challenge to the millions who call South Asia home. Many are too poor to pay the doctor or buy medicine. And thousands live in remote areas where no medical care is available. As part of Gospel for Asia's Compassion Services, the Medical Ministry ensures that these precious people receive health care.
One of the mainstays of the Medical Ministry is mobile medical clinics. These clinics often draw hundreds of people with a myriad of health problems. Nurses, like those shown here, will assess the needs of each individual who comes to the clinic.
Medical professionals conduct a basic physical checkup on each person who comes for help.
Even simple medical tests, like the blood pressure test shown here, are out of reach for most South Asians. These simple screenings have revealed dozens of common, easily treated medical problems.
The doctors and nurses at these clinics see hundreds of children. Very often the doctors are able to diagnose and treat problems right on the spot. Others with more complex problems are referred to larger medical facilities for help.
Of course, some people will need a shot. The most common types of inoculations and treatments are brought along on these mobile medical outreaches.
Sometimes the patient needs a common medication, which the clinic workers will provide for them. Others leave the clinic with a prescription for the medication they need.
GFA's Medical Ministry is also responsible for giving Bridge of Hope students their yearly medical checkups.
The checkups include an eye exam.
These exams reveal every disease imaginable, from worm infestation to skin and ear infections, heart problems, asthma, cancer, malaria and tuberculosis.
Medical Ministry teams also minister to people with specialized medical needs, including leprosy patients. People with leprosy are often run out of their homes and live separated from their families. Since it is hard for them to find work, they live in poverty-stricken communities with others who have the disease.
GFA's medical teams visit the patients and treat the wounds left by the disease.
GFA medial teams also minister to other medical professionals. The people in this classroom all work at a hospital in India. They were learning more ways to show love to those whom they treat.
Prevention programs are another important part of Medical Ministry. These Bridge of Hope children in Nepal are learning the importance of oral hygiene.
Medical Ministry teams also work in tandem with other GFA ministries. This young girl received a warm blanket from the GFA Christmas Catalog when a medical team visited her village.
While those who serve with GFA Medical Ministry teams focus on the person's physical health, their ultimate goal is to introduce them to the Great Physician, Jesus Christ. That's why they spend time praying with the patients and telling them the Good News that Jesus loves them.
date posted 01/27/09