India 2011
The 15th annual camp in India last month ended on a high for most of the 52 team members. It went without incident and the initial reports indicate it was very successful in terms of work performed and numbers of people seen. Approximately 12,000 people (1,500 people per day) presented for combined optical, dental, medical and physio consultations in three regions where Equal Health have partner agencies.
Considering the harsh environment of the three locations in India, the limitations placed on team members on the service they can provide, along with the challenge of communicating through interpreters and dealing with another culture so diverse to ours, it's a wonder we don't experience mass team member meltdown during each camp. Although some on the team do have difficulties accepting the environment we thrust ourselves into, almost all endure it well and at the end of the camp feel they have gained something very worthwhile. From comments from many on this year's team, both new and returning members, the experience of 2011 provided many incredible moments.
This team had the highest number of returning team members; just over half of the team were either on the 2010 placement or one or more previous year's placements. Some of the team were on their fifth or sixth Equal Health camp!