Outpatient Department

I spent Tuesday in the Outpatient Department. They see 400-500 patients per day. Most of them are triaged and sent home by the nursing staff. The nurses see the patients, and if it is something they can diagnose and treat, they do. They are even able to prescribe medications. If it is not something the nurse can diagnose, then the patients need to see the doctor. There are no appointments, so the patients just get a number when they get there. The call numbers 20 at a time. We saw many patients with Dengue fever and respiratory illness. There are also many patients with HIV. These patients are directly seen by the doctor. I spent the whole day with the triage nurse. I enjoyed this, because it gave my an opportunity to interact with the children. I don't have my luggage yet, so I didn't have any of my distraction toys. I just had to make faces and play peak-a-boo instead. Most just looked at me and thought, crazy American! But, I got some to smile and laugh!