Toamasina Dispensary officially opened in June 1998 with four employees which consisted of a physician, a nursing aide, a cashier, and a security guard.

ACTIVITIES:

October 1998: the ophthalmology team from SALFA Andranomadio, led by Dr. Mireille, commenced their initial consultations at the Toamasina dispensary.

March 1999: a laboratory was started, beginning with a “laboratory in a suitcase.” Recruitment began for a laboratory technician to operate this service.

During the course of 1999, the laboratory facility was extended to include tuberculosis analysis. Other personnel were recruited for the dispensary: a nurse and a receptionist.

The eye team from Antsirabe returned to Toamasina during the month of July 1999, performing many operations, mainly for cataracts and glaucoma interventions. Many more patients came for eye consultations at this time, from different regions of Toamasina (Fenerive Est, Brickaville, Vatomandry...).

During the course of the year 2000, the number of out-patient consultations increased considerably, necessitating the addition of a second physician.

Toamasina SALFA dispensary soon became a diagnostic and treatment center for tuberculosis patients. Other medical activities were also introduced such as family planning, vaccinations, protection and follow-up of children.

During the succeeding years, Toamasina SALFA dispensary became known as a renowned health center in the city of Toamasina, with the out-patient load continually increasing in number. Different companies became affiliated with this dispensary for the medical care and treatment of their employees.

The patients who travel to this dispensary for consultations come from throughout the city of Toamasina, the periphery and neighboring regions, as well as from other towns and cities. The increased number of out-patients necessitated the addition of other services, and also for evangelization. Not all the patients are Christians. There are some people who have never even heard about Jesus; others are Muslim, and their coming to this dispensary provides us with the opportunity to share the Gospel with them. That is one reason why we work hand-in-hand with the pastor at the Lutheran Church of Morarano. This pastor comes three times a week to share God's Word and to pray with the patients and health center employees.

Since November 2006, an ultrasound , which was donated by Global Health Ministries, has been installed which has been of great assistance in providing a better medical diagnosis. It is also a tool for evangelizing to the patients.

At the end of 2006, the dispensary employees numbered 13, with two physicians assuring good working standards.

One of our “trump cards” is the health center's geographical location. It is situated in the city of the primary port of Madagascar, a flourishing city with many businesses. This health center is accessible by foot, vehicle, and rickshaw, with the latter being the main means of transportation of the local populace.

The main problem of this health center is that the building is rented and is becoming very cramped for space. In fact, it no longer answers to the needs but is “bursting at the seams.”

With the ever increasing number of out-patients, it is compulsory to expand with additional medical services, such as a dental office and a maternity unit, and to hire more personnel. This extension, however, is almost impossible due to limited space available.

Currently, we are looking for land where a SALFA hospital might be constructed as we feel that the patients in this area have confidence in the Lutheran Church despite there being other health centers in the city.

Therefore, we are appealing to everyone who could come to our assistance in accomplishing this project, all to the glory of God.

The Medical Chief,
Dr. RAZOELIARISOA Aimee