“Sowing Seeds of Life” through Medical Care

Since 1987, Operation Double Harvest has operated a medical clinic that has serviced the many villages that surround the project.  In later years it became obvious that this ministry needed to be enhanced and expanded. Rather than enlarging the existing building, it was decided to construct a new clinic which would provide a surgical unit as well as other medical facilities.

The new structure was financed and built by board members, family members, friends, and volunteer construction teams, along with local tradesmen and laborers. It became operational in 2004. The end result provided one of the most modern and well equipped medical/surgical clinics in Haiti, this in a country where medical care is sadly too often substandard or unavailable.

The main level includes a large covered waiting area, consultation rooms, administration offices, a laboratory, a pharmacy, and a dental suite. The surgical wing comprises two well equipped operating rooms, a sterilization room, a nurses’ station, supply rooms, and a twelve bed recovery ward. The entire building is air conditioned.

The clinic is staffed by a full time doctor, nurses, aides, lab technicians, administrative assistants, a full time dentist and dental assistant. These combine to provide excellent medical care to the farm and school employees, and the students free of charge. Although patients from the surrounding communities are charged a minimal amount (very minimal with a 70% unemployment rate) to give value to their care, the bulk of the expenses and staff salaries are met through contributions.

The second floor is designed to house visiting surgical teams, as well as work and ministry teams. Six bed rooms, each with a bathroom, are equipped with two or three single beds. There are two fully furnished kitchens and dining areas, and a large lounge with an adjacent computer area for e-mail.

Recent volunteer surgical teams from the U.S. consist of several specialized surgeons, an anesthesiologist, operating room nurses, cooks, etc. The teams, each consisting of 12 to 22 people, have been visiting on a rotating basis four to six times a year. On each visit they average 60 to 70 surgeries and procedures, many of which are major. They see numerous cases that are unique to under-developed countries.

Each morning, a short devotional and evangelistic service is held with the waiting patients. Videos/DVDs such as the Jesus Film are shown throughout the day. Spiritual ministry also occurs through prayer with individual patients facing health diagnoses or surgeries. In this way the mission of Double Harvest is accomplished – “Sowing Seeds of Life”.