Wish List
A Vehicle or Two
Without a car, Engeye has relied on the local taxis for the past three years. Though Engeye members are down-to-earth and do not mind being sardined with 12 other Ugandans in one small car at a time, transport has proven difficult when receiving physicians from the airport, purchasing medicine or other clinic supplies or trying to deliver sick patients to local larger hospitals. The clinic aspires to obtain a rugged four-wheel drive vehicle that can handle the rough terrain to facilitate all clinic activities. With unnecessarily expensive second-hand car rates in Uganda, we are searching for other options . . . and very receptive to suggestions!
Long-Term Volunteers
In an effort to increase patient care, medical standards, sustainability and communication back to the United States, we are seeking skilled nurses, physicians assistants, midwives and physicians who have an interest in working and living at the Engeye Clinic for periods of one month and longer. On-site housing is provided. Please contact us for more details.
Daily Operational Costs
Patient contributions do not cover the expenses necessary to run Engeye Clinic. Therefore, until a sound business model is implemented (a work in progress!), we must wire monthly financial contributions to Uganda.
Current operating costs average $1,000 USD/month ($34/day) and provide for salaries for health care workers, medication refills, patient records and other clinic supplies and equipment.
Ultrasound Machine
With a new laboratory constructed, we are now working towards stocking the lab with essential items. A fixed or portable ultrasound machine would greatly enhance the medicine being practiced. from obstetrics and gynecology to gastroenterology.
Price: pending
EKG Machine
Price: pending
Ongoing funds to update medical equipment and procedures
From circumcisions to microscopy, supplies are always a top priority and integral in advancing the clinic. We regularly attempt to incorporate upgrades to ensure progress. Whether the improvement is as simple as a new container, to facilitate organization, or as extensive as an exam table, the item inevitably goes to excellent use.
One Batch of Bricks
We plan to lay a small central brick patio courtyard to minimize the red dirt spreading to the clinic walls, floors and patient beds. From preventing patient exposure to unnecessary germs to protecting the clinic walls from being soiled with debris, this brick patio will improve clinic standards.
$700 USD (including cost of bricks, delivery of bricks, morter, and several solar bricks)
Long-term goal
$20,000 to build better housing for local and visiting staff
Now that Engeye has built the essentials, it is trying to improve its current design to facilitate sustainability. While there currently is a house in which nurses, managers and doctors can sleep, privacy and physical space is lacking as the room has a crowded dormitory feel with many bunk beds. Though we are thankful to have advanced from our humble beginnings, it is evident that if the clinic aspires to remain sustainable with competitive local and foreign staff residing in the rural village for any length of time, decent staff housing must be built. An engineer from Atlanta has created blue prints and generously donated his time in Uganda to oversee the building of new living structures . . . now we are raising funds for the materials. The design will be extremely simple, yet savvy in attempt to minimize costs while maintaining beauty, environmentally-friendly design and privacy.
Electricity
The Engeye Health Clinic is currently functioning without electricity. Candles, lanterns, and flashlights provide the only illumination after sunset or on dark days.
The acquisition of electricity would be invaluable. In addition to making day-to-day functioning of the clinic less problematic, it would allow us to perform surgeries.
There are now estimated to be fewer than 10 surgeons available to the inhabitants of a country of over 25 million people, and those are prohibitively expensive.
The nearest power pole is less than 30 meters away, and the cost of electrifying the clinic building would be less than $10,000 USD.
The members of Engeye appreciate any help that you might be able to provide with this project.
UPDATE: The clinic has been wired and 4 solar panels installed! Lights were introduced to the clinic for the first time ever. Next we hope to fund a transformer, which will bring continuous power to the health clinic.