The medical mission team of the First Baptist Church of Haddonfield recently returned from the villages near Nellore in south-east India. Our first goal was to visit the small village Baptist Churches, meet with the pastors and congregations, preach and pray with the people. This is our second visit and we are continuing to develop warm relationships with the people, leaders and pastors. Our second goal was to provide medical attention for the villagers. Our team consisted of Dr. Moses Chandran, his wife Shramila Aithal, Dr. Prosana from India, Thara Chandran, our nurse, and Pastor Michael Feicht and his son Peter. We treated 375 patients and provided them with needed medicines. We saw a variety of ailments including leprosy, tuberculosis, diabetes, scabies, scurvy, snake bite, worms, various infections and serious malnutrition among the majority of the women and children. Medicines and treatment were provided free of charge in cooperation with the local churches. Eight patients were sent to the hospital for immediate care.
Our hope is to return again in 2011. Meanwhile we are exploring the feasibility of securing a visiting nurse who could provide year-round care. We are also researching resources to see how issues of malnutrition can be addressed on a sustainable basis.