Iraq Transition Assistance Office visits Narhwan health clinic

Photo By Staff Sgt. James Hutto | Patients sign in at the reception area of the new health clinic in Narhwan, Dec.3. Mark Tokala, the director leader of the Iraq transition assistance office, viewed the facility the same day to take his findings back to the Iraqi ministry of health.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IRAQ

12.04.2007

Story by Spc. James Hutto 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

By Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Mark Tokala, the director of the Iraq transition assistance office, visited the recently-opened health clinic in Narhwan, Dec. 3.

Tolaka talked with a doctor and a dentist at the clinic to assess their needs and examine the layout of the clinic.

"The building fills a huge need in the area," said Maj. James Carlisle, from West Palm Beach, Fla., the civil affairs officer for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team. "The clinic is significant because it demonstrated that the Iraqi government is willing to improve their healthcare system and has the ability to do so."

The building, which opened a week and a half ago, has 24 examination rooms and the capacity for up to eight doctors and two dentists to treat residents.

"The building has a great layout," said George White, from Bethesda, Md., embedded provincial reconstruction team leader in the Mada'in Qada. "The building's waiting area was placed near the front entrance and can accommodate patients. The way the building is laid out is ideal for this type of area. Doctors will be able to set up stations in each of the 24 rooms and treat patients as needed."

White was pleased with how the residents of Narhwan are taking advantage of the facility.

"I think it's a positive sign that word of the clinic has gotten out and the people of Narhwan are showing up with their children," White said.

Many of the common problems that the patients were suffering from at the clinic were easily treated, explained Carlisle.

"In countries like this, where there are sanitization problems and environmental conditions, younger children's health is a major concern," White said. "Quick treatment of intestinal problems is really critical. In areas like Narhwan, there are surprising numbers of children under the age of eight who die from diarrhea and dehydration. This almost never happens in countries with advanced medical care systems."

White explained that although the clinic is not operating at full capacity yet, it is making a difference.

"What's hard to see is just how many lives are saved by doctors in this clinic simply by treating chronic diseases or simple medical conditions that we don't expect to be serious in the U.S., but certainly are here," White said. "In addition, treating conditions like earaches may prevent children from suffering damage that can last an entire lifetime."

Both White and Carlisle acknowledged that the clinic needs more doctors and medical supplies to meet the demands of the community.

"The new Iraqi minister of health has vowed to make healthcare one of Iraq's top priorities," Carlisle said. "Mr. Tokala will use the information he has gathered from this trip to show the needs of the clinic. Healthcare is a country-wide problem and he is making country-wide visits to help the ministry of health be made aware of the needs of places like Narhwan."

The 3rd BCT, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga., has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V since March.

• Date Taken: 12.04.2007
• Date Posted: 12.04.2007 14:11
• Story ID: 14418
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ