“FAME is for Families”
FAME’s mission has always been to advance patient-centered care in rural Tanzania. Over the years, FAME has also encouraged families to play an active role in the patient’s medical care, thus promoting individual and family health. The patient and family-centered approach to healthcare emphasize collaboration between the healthcare staff and families, leading to better outcomes and improved patient experiences.
Today, FAME received new patients at its Outpatient Clinic (OPD): Mzee Lengele*, age 56, and his son Matthias, age 19. With new patients accounting for 43% of FAME’s patients in 2021, FAME is always happy to see new faces at the hospital!
Mzee Lengele has been suffering from back pain for the last couple of weeks, making it difficult for him to take his cows out for grazing. He’s not sure what caused the injury but thinks it could be when one of his cows kicked him hard.
“I can stand still without discomfort but can’t move around much or run after the cows.”
His son Matthias* suffers from an eye infection and his mouth is lopsided. He comes from a boarding school where his father picked him up. His teacher had called his father and explained that she feared he needed more specialized care than they could offer at the school.
“I have been unwell for the last week. My teacher sent me to the school dispensary several times, but it didn’t help. After a week, she said she would have to call my father to take me to the hospital.”
When Mzee Lengele got the call that his son was sick and needed to see a doctor, he had also been thinking about seeking medical attention for his back.
“I have always heard about FAME from my neighbors, but I have never been here. This is my first time. When my son’s teacher called to say he needed urgent hospital care, I knew I had to get a place to treat my back and Matthias’s illness at the same time without compromising on the quality of care. My neighbors assured me that FAME is for the whole family and that everyone receives the best possible patient-oriented care at a reasonable cost.”
The father-son duo had a long journey to FAME as their village is 200 miles away from FAME. However, this did not deter them; they were among the first patients at the OPD today.
“We left home when it was still dark! I’m happy we made it here early. From my first impression, this is a very good hospital. The buildings look very nice, and the reception we received was fast and efficient. And indeed, FAME is for families, as I see everyone here: fathers, mothers, children of all ages and even old mzee’s like me! I’m happy we came.”
FAME continues to value and embrace patients and their families as essential partners and is always looking to identify strategies to improve the provision of patient and family-centered care in our catchment area.
*While the patients’ names have been changed to protect privacy, permission was secured to share their photos and story with FAME supporters and to raise awareness of available medical care at FAME Medical.