You may remember we were helping to fundraise towards a new Oxygen plant and it is a stark reminder why when Prabhu explains, that at the peak of the last wave, 150 Oxygen cylinders a day were needed. Sadly although they were not able to help everyone all the staff worked tirelessly even though many themselves caught the virus or had loved ones suffering. It is also good to hear that the hospital was recognised by government bodies for their humanitarian work and offered help when practical.

We knew the staff were remarkable before corona devastated India, but this video shows the true dedication of a band of doctors, nurses, and auxiliaries who always put their patients first. Hearing from patients’ families about how the staff went above and beyond to save them is remarkable.

Thankyou to The Duncan for sharing this video with us.

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Hospitals all over the country have little or no oxygen supplies left and great numbers of staff are falling victim to the virus themselves. Many families are unable to find hospital beds for sick loved ones and are forced to take them home again. The Duncan is sadly not immune from this chaos as it is caught up in the grip of this latest surge. 

In a communication from a few days ago, we hear that Hospital Director Prabhu has covid, though thankfully we were told that he is stable for the moment except for symptoms like myalgia and cough. However staff there have taken a major hit this time, leaving few behind who are not ill to treat the patients they have. 

We were sent these heartbreaking words, “The situation here is really bad. In fact, it seems a thousand times worse than it was last year. Indians are absolutely unprepared to meet the situation. Only a very small percent received vaccines. Not enough hospitals, no beds, no medicines, no oxygen and even no doctors – anywhere. We hear death all around us. It’s scary to open the news.”

“Today we have a 15-year-old boy with epidural abscess leading to acute paraplegia. So he needed urgent spine surgery. No way we can refer him anywhere coz no hospitals will accept him in this crucial time. So Prabhu went and did surgery for three to four hours with all the PPE. Praying and hoping that the child would be able to walk again.”

“Please keep us in your prayers. That’s the best anyone can do for us now”

So please help us keep all at The Duncan in everyone’s thoughts. 

We will bring you any further news as we receive updates. 

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As Prahbu explained, “Just a month ago we were so overwhelmed with a large number of covid cases among the staff and in the community. Over 55 staff tested positive and many were negative but asymptomatic. The most amazing thing was that none of them needed admission or oxygen. Looking back, I can only call this a miracle. We in many ways were prepared with oxygen, ventilators, and even doses of Remdesivir but none of us needed it.” 

He also told us that a large number of local people became ill with corona and many were treated at the Duncan and sadly there were many deaths – but, he added, it never became as bad at the hospital as he had feared. We are so pleased to hear that, for the moment, the situation seems to be under control at The Duncan although the hospital remains a covid delegated one and still has a number of covid patients. 

The local authorities in Raxaul understood that The Duncan has been working tirelessly to treat patients during this time and have been supportive – which is a huge help. 

General patient numbers are rising again now Blessy reports, with many who were fearful of attending due to corona, now back at routine appointments again. This has also meant that hospital income has risen enough again for staff to be able to take their full salaries for the first time in over 6 months.  Funds from The Duncan Hospital Charitable Trust were diverted during this crisis time (from earmarked future building projects) to help staff treat patients and also to help make up some of their depleted salaries so that they could support their own families.  

Although the corona crisis in India may be far from over, for the moment thankfully, The Duncan is on a much more stable footing. Many thanks to everyone who has donated during this time.  

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A recent BBC report details the problems faced by those trying the get help for coronavirus victims in the state.

India Covid-19: Bihar braces for ‘coronavirus storm’

We are currently raising funds to help The Duncan during the corona crisis. If you are able to help in any way all donations are most welcome. Thankyou.

Donate here

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The Duncan Hospital Charitable Trust is keeping in close contact with The Duncan during this Coronavirus pandemic. The plight of staff and patients remain in sharp focus for us. Blessy the Senior Paediatrician has been messaging Jackie Mackay with updates when she can manage.

There are many larger agencies all over India who are currently helping to feed millions of people who have no money due to being locked down and out of work In Raxaul, The Duncan are doing this, using up their own precious funds to help local people as much as they can, feeding up to 5000 of them every week. We have been able to release vital funds to help them provide this food and cover patient costs.

We would like to thank everyone for their generous donations. This is our latest update from the hospital #westandtogether

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Professor and Jackie Mackay only visited in February earlier this year. We were about to bring you videos of that trip with news of some of the exciting developments at the hospital. Since then though, coronavirus has swept the globe and The Duncan Hospital is facing the coming storm bravely but with no supplies of Personal Protective Clothing or ventilators to cope with growing numbers of very ill patients.

We feel it is important to let the staff there know that we at The Duncan Hospital Charitable Trust are thinking of them at this difficult time and if anyone who watches this can help then please get in touch with us direct. #westandtogether

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