A dedicated doctor from Croydon has recently returned from a transformative two-week training programme in Mongolia, where he played a crucial role in equipping eye care professionals with essential skills. Dr. Ghalib Mukadam, a seasoned anaesthetist at King’s College Hospital for two decades, generously devoted his annual leave to volunteer with Orbis, an international blindness prevention charity. His commitment and expertise have undoubtedly made a significant impact in enhancing eye care services in Mongolia.
Training Programme in Mongolia
During his time in Mongolia, Dr. Mukadam conducted training sessions at the National Centre for Maternal and Child Health and Third Central Hospital. The primary focus of the programme was to empower local eye care teams to effectively manage and treat individuals at risk of blindness, both children and adults alike. In a country where an estimated 340,000 people suffer from vision loss, with 15,000 of them being blind, the need for accessible and quality eye care services is paramount. Shockingly, 90% of these blindness cases are preventable, highlighting the urgency for interventions and training initiatives like the one led by Dr. Mukadam.
Access to adequate eye care in Mongolia is hindered by various challenges, including limited equipment, insufficient training, and inadequate infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Dr. Mukadam’s expertise and commitment to training local healthcare professionals are instrumental in bridging this gap and improving the overall quality of eye care services. His efforts not only benefit the immediate patients treated during the programme but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the country’s healthcare system.
Impact and Long-term Benefits
Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Mukadam expressed his satisfaction in working alongside local doctors and nurses, helping to enhance their skills in anaesthesia. By emphasizing training and capacity building, he believes that the local team will be better equipped to continue providing quality care to patients, both adults and pediatric, for years to come. This sustained focus on education and skill development is crucial for ensuring lasting improvements in eye care services in Mongolia and beyond.
Since 2017, Dr. Mukadam has been actively involved in Orbis training programmes in various countries, including China, Cameroon, and Ethiopia, showcasing his dedication to global eye health initiatives. His consistent participation in these programmes underscores his commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals affected by vision loss. Through his expertise and passion for teaching, Dr. Mukadam is not only treating patients directly but also empowering local healthcare professionals to expand their capabilities and impact within their communities.
Collaboration and Partnership
The success of training programmes like the one in Mongolia is a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership in addressing complex healthcare challenges. By working hand in hand with local healthcare providers, international organizations like Orbis can leverage their resources and expertise to enhance the capacity and quality of eye care services in underserved regions. Dr. Mukadam’s collaboration with local doctors and nurses in Mongolia exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and shared commitment to improving eye health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
In addition to the training sessions conducted by Dr. Mukadam, Orbis also operates the Flying Eye Hospital, a state-of-the-art ophthalmic surgical facility housed in a specially designed aircraft. This innovative approach to delivering eye care services enables Orbis to reach remote and underserved communities, providing essential treatments and surgeries to those in need. The Flying Eye Hospital represents a unique blend of technology, expertise, and compassion, all aimed at transforming lives and restoring sight to individuals facing vision impairment.
As Dr. Mukadam continues to champion the cause of global eye health through his volunteer work with Orbis, his impact extends far beyond the confines of any single training programme. His dedication to training and capacity-building serves as a beacon of hope for communities grappling with preventable blindness and vision loss. By sharing his knowledge and skills with local healthcare professionals, Dr. Mukadam is sowing the seeds for a brighter and more inclusive future, where quality eye care is accessible to all, regardless of geographical or economic barriers.
In conclusion, the remarkable efforts of individuals like Dr. Ghalib Mukadam underscore the importance of collaboration, training, and sustained commitment in improving eye health outcomes worldwide. Through his volunteer work with Orbis and his participation in training programmes across various countries, Dr. Mukadam exemplifies the transformative power of education and capacity-building in enhancing eye care services and preventing avoidable blindness. His dedication and expertise serve as a guiding light for healthcare professionals and organizations striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals affected by vision loss.