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They are young,
energetic and motivated. They don’t complain or seek any recognition
from anybody – they simply strive to help their Countrymen/women.
Every morning, they get up at dawn and go to work like normal doctors.
They love what they do: treating their own people. Dr. Mohamed Hassan, a
dedicated Biologist and a Supervisor of the National Laboratory of
Djibouti, (Hospital Pelletier), the biggest hospital in the Country; Dr.
Mohamed Goulan, a renown dermatologist and also, the Director of
Toussaint Clinic; and finally Dr. Rachid Haji Ali, a Generalist - also a
champion and head of the war against the HIV/AIDS in Djibouti: the tiny
East African country. No-doubt, they have nothing to envy with their
Western counterparts – yet they have something in common: a dream of
helping their both respected citizens.
These young Djiboutian doctors refused to give up on their people and
migrate to Europe and North America for better pay - as some of their
friends have done it already.
Not to mention - their endurance of the constant pressure from a rigid;
and incompetent politically nominated bureaucrats. What keep them going?
Faith and love of their people. “I think we were all sick and tired of
witnessing our brothers and sisters suffered or died with lack of
medicines and equipments, Dr. Hassan confessed. He took a deep breath
and continued, “unfortunately - due to the shortage of Medical Doctors
as well into our Hospitals”. These young Doctors usually insist on that
their Nurses and Patients to simply refer them - as their first names.
Furthermore, it’s interesting to note, though, they don’t even
considered themselves as heroes. Nevertheless, whether they like it or
not; they are certainly role models for the young Africans. Dr. Hassan
went on - while staring at the Pelletier Hospital from his apartment’s
Balcony, “If I could only speak for myself… that’s why I decided to go
to Medical school.” (And theirs friendship hatched as well eighteen
years ego at the University Campus in Belgium, Europe) The young and shy
Doctor - Dr. Rashid Haji Ali, also proudly informed me few months ago in
his office that he was so anxious to graduate as soon as possible; and
go back home in order to help his community. No one would probably write
books about them or make movies for that matter - their sacrifices of
the well-being of their peoples.
“You know, Mohamed, if we all run away to the West - who then do we
expect to help our people?” Dr. Goulan confided to me one afternoon last
April. Surely that did make me feel awful. But, the truth might be hard
to swallow. Dr. Goulan was right. I shook his hand and said good-bye -
and wonder if I could ever measure up with them. The fact reminds
though, these young African Doctors go to bed in peace at night.
By Mohamed Hussein Awaleh, Freelance Writer.
awaleh@consultant.com
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