The Nalta Rural Hospital By Jon Bagby The American Nalta Foundation

Overview History of the Nalta Hospital Challenges The Future...

A Very Brief History Dr. George Bagby, working through Orthopedics Overseas meets Dr. Ruhal Haque. Dr. Haque, the Administrator of the Government-run RIHD Hospital in Dhaka, Bangaladesh offers to donate land in Nalta if Dr. Bagby builds the hospital.

Nalta Factoids Nalta District is located on the western frontier of Bangaladesh. Comprised mainly of rural residents 1 million strong. Thirty miles from the Indian border. Most Importantly: Lacking in a trauma center or M.D., level patient care.

1997-2000 After the successful introduction of the Bagby and Kuestlic (BAK) bone basket (for spinal fusions) into the U.S. Market, Dr. Bagby gifts $250,000 to begin construction. Construction is completed in January 2000.

Nalta Hospital

Current Facility 29 Bed facility including 4 cribs 24 Hour emergency services Operating theatre Outpatient clinic Pharmacy, pathology, and radiology Prosthetic Fabrication Center Ambulance and Minibus

Current Staff 1 General Practitioner 1 Anesthesiologist 1 Cardiologist 2 Orthopedic Surgeons 1 OB/Gyn

Challenges Oversite of construction from the opposite side of the planet. Communication Technical Cultural Community perception

Oversite: Funds were dispersed monthly based on reports from Dr. Haque. Changes in the building design (50 ft pilings) resulted in cost over runs. This in turn resulted in a scaling back of the original floor plan to approximately 10,000 ft2.

Communication Technical - lack of consistent communication via phone - remedied by the purchase of a satellite phone. Cultural - Cultural differences as well as expectations continuously challenge both parties; remedied by patience and ongoing partnership.

Community Perception Ambivalence: Bred in part by folk practitioners who felt threatened by the new facility. Due to the hospital’s desire to collect fees for services where ever appropriate. Due to a lack of stable medical staff during the early part stages of operation.

Long-term Goal To provide all people in need regardless of their ability to pay. Current Reality: 10% free service currently provided 90% of services rendered generate revenues for the hospital

Future Hospital is currently running a monthly shortfall of between $1,000 and $3,000. These shortfalls have historically been made up by Dr. Bagby personally. The formation of a non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation (American Nalta Foundation) seeks to bring in donations to fund future shortfalls (goal Sept 2002).

Major Needs Develop a fund raising program. Medical and non-medical equipment. Establish a communication system. Housing for physicians and staff, as well as visiting medical teams.

American Nalta Foundation Attention George Bagby 105 W. 8th Avenue, Suite 438 Spokane, WA 99204-2318