The Ajara Autonomous Republic in southwest Georgia has been home to International Medical Corps activities since the summer of 2002. Beginning in February 2003, twenty communities have begun mobilization projects. The mobilization efforts started with the Purtio community ambulatory clinic, utilized mainly for primary healthcare in the district of Shuakhevi.
Although the clinic had a laboratory, its poor condition prompted patients to go elsewhere for testing. The structure was an old wooden building with numerous broken windows. Limited equipment was available, but what was on hand was often more than 30 years old and in poor condition. No water was available either inside or near the clinic, the restroom was old and non-functioning, and the walls needed repair. The clinic had only one full-time doctor, and she often walked 10-15 miles each day to reach her patients.
The International Medical Corps Health and Social Welfare (HSW) officer conducted a thorough assessment of the clinic; checked the availability of basic medical equipment; and evaluated patient registration, medical files and charts for adults and children, children immunization status, and types of medical services provided to patients. After the evaluation, recommendations were provided to the staff as well as CBO members on the application of sanitation and hygiene norms.
Under the West Georgia Community Mobilization Initiative, the community mobilizer, grants officer, and International Medical Corps HSW officer, together with the Purtio community worked together to successfully complete the ambulatory clinic rehabilitation. The roof was prepared, windows installed, wallpaper hung, floors painted, and a new block toilet was put in the yard. A water system was installed in the yard, faucets put in the nurses’ room, and a hand-washing faucet was set up near the toilet.
Based upon recommendations by International Medical Corps Health and Social Welfare Officer, the following basic equipment was purchased by the community: sphygmomanometer, double-cup stethoscope, thermometer, kidney dish, dressing tray, dressing and suturing kit, adult scale, child scale, height chart, tape measure, and privacy screen. Counterpart International has provided a couch, surgical instruments, chest, medical instrument and supply set, and a refrigerator.
Today Purtio community has a well-functioning ambulatory clinic, which serves over 4000 people. The clinic now has enough space to provide quality services and secure patient privacy. The laboratory is functioning at full capacity and vaccinations are taking place regularly. A general practitioner and a pediatrician conduct examinations of patients every day.
The Purtio community, Shuakhevi authorities, and local health department representatives are happy and thankful for International Medical Corps’ support in the implementation of the ambulatory clinic project.