Nursing Rounds and Poverty

On Wednesday I participated in Nursing Rounds at CHAD. We traveled to 4 nearby villages following up on patients in the communities who were known to be sick and many others who we discovered to be sick on our rounds. It was a great time to meet people in their communities and in their homes.

Our trip began with two patients who had recently attempted suicide. Sadly suicide has been on the rise here in Vellore in 20-40 year-olds. There are three main methods: hanging, organophosphate (pesticide) poisoning, and drinking the juice of boiled Oleander leaves. Both patients this morning tried to commit suicide by overdosing on anti-seizure medicine. What surprised me most was how open these patients were about their lives. They readily admitted to the their problems when confronted by the nurse. One had problems with her father who had forbidden her from talking to her friends and the other, a 20-something year old male, had an argument with his uncle.

In that same village I witnessed a funeral ceremony. A new mother 5 weeks from delivery had died of a presumed heart attack. It was so sad. She was only 27 years old. Her body rested in a glass casket for everyone to see. Garlands of flowers draped over her casket. Drums, which could be heard everywhere in the village, played to signify her death and to bring her peace in her reincarnation. Men were standing at the periphery. I could not identify a husband or her family. Many women were wailing near the casket and occasionally beating the glass encasing her body. I felt overwhelmed by their wailing. I had never seen tears like that at home.

I wish I could describe in words the images of these villages. The villages were dirty; but, the rice patties were green and luscious. The people were poor; but, every home had a TV. Many were sick; but, they could get sophisticated care from CHAD and from CMC if they were desperate. What struck me most was the lack of progress. I imagine that generations of people had been living on these lands and in these homes and yet they still had sewage ditches in front of their homes and open fires for cooking in their houses. Time had stood still for these families. The modern advancements of ovens, microwaves, etc had passed them by. They had electricity but the only use was for light bulbs and TV. I learned later that they had only received a TV because they were promised one by a political party if they were elected. It was strange. They had a TV but little else. It is hard for me to imagine what images and thoughts these people had when the dreamed. It was a bit of a culture shock you could say.

This weekend I am going to see the Indian Ocean with my fellow students from San Antonio. I've heard the Indian Ocean is beautiful. I am looking forward to a horizon of waves and sun and a respite from the humanity here in Vellore.