Since December, rain, hail and wind squalls alternate with the storms that shake, almost daily, the island of Samos. Aircraft are often delayed or cancelled, but the migrants’ inflatable dinghies continue to arrive. The end of year celebrations have passed without Samos realizing it, the rain did not stop that day, and the snow was even settling on top of the surrounding hills.
The Med’EqualiTeam clinic now has 80 to 100 patients a day and more than 5000 consultations have been performed since the opening of the clinic 6 months ago. After a period of understaffing, due to the holiday season, the medical team is composed of 4 to 5 volunteers, helped by 5 to 6 translators and receptionists.
Since December, rain, hail and wind squalls alternate with the storms that shake, almost daily, the island of Samos. Aircraft are often delayed or cancelled, but the migrants’ inflatable dinghies continue to arrive. The end of year celebrations have passed without Samos realizing it, the rain did not stop that day, and the snow was even settling on top of the surrounding hills.
The Med’EqualiTeam clinic now has 80 to 100 patients a day and more than 5000 consultations have been performed since the opening of the clinic 6 months ago. After a period of understaffing, due to the holiday season, the medical team is composed of 4 to 5 volunteers, helped by 5 to 6 translators and receptionists.
There are many patients reporting fever and the waiting room is filled with the sound of coughing and snorting. Many people suffer from flu-like symptoms and it is important to reassure them: “The symptoms will last another week, maybe two because of the camp’s living conditions, but it is not a serious illness. If it’s not better, come back to us.” We distribute vitamins, we advise to drink a lot of water or tea to stay in good health and to go through the winter. Many patients complain of pain in the limbs, especially the feet; many do not have shoes, or even socks, just sandals. The chronic problems and the infections do not decrease: we treat pain, diarrhea, pulmonary diseases, wounds which are sometimes superinfected. Bites of rats, sometimes, and lesions due to scabies. We also take care of patients with chronic infections, such as HIV or hepatitis B so they can receive the appropriate treatment.
Apart from regular activities of the clinic, the volunteers set up new projects to answer unanswered needs on the island. Since the end of December, Med’EqualiTeam has distributed free prescription glasses, thanks to a partnership with Glasses Without Borders, by organizing individual consultations in order to find the pair adapted to the vision of each person.
In addition, we now work in partnership with Samos Volunteers and offer consultations dedicated to women in their reception centre, once a week. We can offer contraception, primary care for pregnant women, health and hygiene advice, hygienic protection … in a serene space reserved for women.
Thanks to all the people supporting the project, we are starting the year with plenty of projects in mind and energy to continue to take care of these thousands of people stranded on Samos. Do not hesitate to follow us on Facebook for regular updates !
