By the International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan Public Affairs Office
KABUL, Afghanistan -- Humbling. That's how United States Air Force Chaplain Eric Whitmore described his first visit to the Indira Ghandhi Institute of Child since his arrival to the International Security Assistance Force headquarters in Kabul recently.
Whitmore was joined by Lt. Cdr. Yevsey Goldberg, a naval doctor who has been deployed to Afghanistan for more than 15 months and will be heading home in the coming days. The two had a meet-and-greet with the director of the children's hospital, Dr. Al-haj Khalilullah, maintaining a positive working relationship between the hospital and ISAF, which serves as a hub through which donated money, goods, and supplies reach the financially-challenged hospital.
"The hospital receives roughly $400 a month to run everything, and you know that just isn't enough, not even close," Goldberg said.
Khalilullah explained the many functions of the hospital, which was established in 1963 as the main referral station for all children's care throughout the Middle East.
"We also serve as a training hospital for students at Kabul Medical University," Khalilullah, who was also a student at the medical university 23 years ago, explained. "Fourth-year students work in a general pediatric rotation. What's important to note is the role of the international community."
The institute was built to fully accommodate 350 patients comfortably, but that number can be pushed, if necessary to upward of 600 patients, all cared for by 153 doctors. Khalilullah noted the biggest obstacle is feasible access to supplies such as simple medicines like painkillers, antibiotics, and bandages.
"The hospital relies almost solely on the charity of other countries, as well as individuals," Khalilullah said as he accepted several boxes of medical supplies being donated by the medical center at ISAF.
ISAF Headquarters' Voluntary Community Relations and Resources also sponsors this hospital and has donated nearly $50,000 since June. The VCR program has adopted and is renovating the burns unit.
Immediately following the meeting, Whitmore was given a tour of the various wings of the hospital, including the Burns Unit, the Prenatal Care Unit, and the general children's ward. Throughout the tour, Whitmore and Goldberg distributed goods, juices, and toys to the children.
"It's quite an eye-opening experience," Whitmore said. "No matter how much you bring, it just isn't enough. But our job is clear, we're here to help and the first step is maintaining the current relationship we have with this and other hospitals."