News about the Christian Hospital Diptipur

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DECEMBER 2007: GOLDEN JUBILEE

The Golden Jubilee ceremony at the hospital in Diptipur, Orissa, in India, took three hours and was followed by a feast prepared for 500 people. At the ceremony, I said: "It gives me much joy and thankfulness to God to be present on this great occasion. It is such a significant milestone in the life of this hospital.

"I bring greetings from fellow Christians in Great Britain. I bring special greetings from the Rev David Kerrigan, Director of Mission at BMS World Mission,which was formerly known as the Baptist Missionary Society. As you know, we worked for that society and lived in this area for some years.

"The relationship between the BMS and this great country of India has brought many benefits and advantages to both you and us. We need to focus on the good aspects as we view our friendship over the past and in the present.

"Greetings, too, from my church in St Albans, in England. They are praying for us today. Over the years, my late husband and I have had the pleasure of entertaining many friends from India - and especially Orissa - in our home. And most recently - in January and February of 2007 - the members of my church in St Albans greatly enjoyed the visit of Rt Rev Dr Samson Das.

"My family also send greetings on this important occasion. Our children, Ruth and Paul, were born in this country and lived here for some time. They both have a love for India - and our son, with his wife, visited Diptipur two years ago. Paul wanted to visit Diptipur with me this time, and is eagerly awaiting news of my visit. I hope my three grandsons, Benjamin, Timothy and Samuel have the opportunity to visit sometime to see where their grandparents worked and where their parents were born.

"But we cannot live in the past. We need to learn from it but not live in it. Each one of us is accountable to God for the way we spend our lives and the effect we have on others. We are responsible for the witness we give, and honesty and integrity are of the utmost importance in this witness.

"We are responsible only to God. It is required of us to be good and faithful stewards of the gifts God has given to our care. It is to him that we have to answer one day and each of us should search our hearts for the motives for our actions and speech.

"This is a hard calling at times but, in God's love and in our Saviour's saving grace, the task is joyfully done when we feel in the centre of God's will.

"I congratulate Diptipur Christian Hospital on its Golden Jubilee. May this day be the beginning of a new era, when the hospital will be a shining light in the area and bring glory to God and healing to the people."

As for the rest of our trip....

They say you are never the same again after you have travelled in the East. Five years there in the 1960s and a return trip 13 years ago had whetted my appetite for more. Added to that, I have made further friends and connections with Orissa in the past two years, so it was rather like coming home when our aeroplane finally touched down in Bhubaneswar.

My friend, Linda, and I travelled from east to west within the state, and Bishop Samson Das had planned a wonderful, extensive tour for us, seeing much of his diocese and many places where Geoffrey and I had lived and visited as a family in the 1960s.

The journey from Cuttack to Diptipur, on 3rd December, took more than eight hours. The roads were not good. Samson's vehicle was comfortable, though full of luggage and passengers (Dr Rajnish Samal's wife and daughter travelled with us).

As we entered Diptipur, our vehicle had a puncture. We phoned Rajnish, who came to pick us all up. It was good to meet him after all the emails and phonecalls and, as we drove along, everything was so familiar: the hospital, church, school, bungalows, agricultural project and the children's hostels.

The hospital buildings were looking smart. A work party from north London had done some painting - and the staff had been busy with paint brushes too. There is still plenty of work, though, for willing helpers.

After settling into our room in the Samals' bungalow, we were ready for a shower, followed by a meal of rice and curry with the medical staff. It was good to meet Dr Henry's wife, Nancy, again. The last time we had met was in 1961 at language school in South India.

We were up at 6am and met 30 of the hospital staff for prayers at 7.30am. After this, Rajnish, Dr Paul and Dr Dip did their hospital rounds. We saw the operating theatre, the eye theatre, labour room, pharmacy and so on. We also saw the leaking roofs.

There were seven eye patients in one ward on whom Dr Paul had operated the previous day, and we said 'namaska' to other patients and new mothers with their babies. After breakfast, there was time to take in the surroundings, to greet other guests arriving for the Golden Jubilee celebrations, to meet people who knew me from years gone by and to realise how much work had gone into organising such a gathering.

Lunch and dinner was fitted in - both meals comprised delicious rice and curry - and so we went to bed early to prepare for the big day.

Up at 6.45am, we were at prayers at 7.30am.

Everything was being prepared for the celebration -- the enormous brightly coloured pandal (tent), the stage, flowers, garlands, chairs, music, singing items, drumming and dancing.

Dr Rajnish had done a marvellous job and everyone was playing their part to make the day a success.

We ate breakfast of chapati and vegetable curry following which, we went to see the feast being prepared for 500 guests.

It was time to change into our best salwar kameez (bought in the Indian clothing shops in Luton) and make our way to the pandal for the 10.30am start.

The welcome song sung by the nurses and Dr Ipsita Dip began the proceedings at 11 am. There followed prayers, Bible readings, the giving of garlands, welcomes, special songs, the director's report, the introduction of chief guests, addresses, other messages and memories, the giving of gifts and, finally, votes of thanks, prayers and benediction, a closing song, the distribution of sweetmeats and some Oriya dancing. It had been three hours of happy jubilee celebrations and a wonderful day. The weather was perfect. And the feast was delicious.

Before ending the day with the hospital staff, we went to the school to talk to the teachers and the pupils - and to see that they, too, need money - to provide sufficient desks and seats for each pupil and to repair the leaking roof. The small toys, pens, crayons and Linda's teddies that I had brought from the UK I took to school the next day for the teachers to give to their own children and grandchildren.

Our last full day in Diptipur was spent in going carefully and painstakingly around the hospital buildings and grounds with Dr Rajnish, talking about the future plans for staff and buildings, seeing the many jobs which need to be done and the immediate priorities.

He is so committed and yet life is not easy for him and his family. We felt that the least we could do is to help in whatever way we can and to give support and encouragement. Later, we were taken to a nearby leper colony to meet staff and patients.

Our final meal together with the hospital staff was cooked by Rajnish's wife, Litty. I was very tempted to say 'yes' to Rajnish's request to go back.

At 6.30 the next morning, we left on the 12 hour drive over to the east coast through the hilly Khandmal district - home to the present troubles.

The most recent news from the hospital - received in January - is that in-patient numbers at the eye hospital are rising, and the outpatients' department is keeping increasingly busy too.

Aileen Hagen

NOVEMBER 2007: PROGRESS IN THE WORK

It is with gratitude to God and great pleasure that I can be present, but it is of greater significance that Heather Payne, a daughter of the BMS missionaries (Eric and Betty Payne) who started the medical work in Diptipur 50 years ago, will also be at the celebrations.

We have so much to be thankful for when we think of the work and dedication of the early missionaries - especially when we realise the conditions in which they lived, worked and raised their families.

British Airways (BA) is doing its part in helping Diptipur Hospital too. BA has readily agreed to allow us to take extra baggage and are waiving the excess baggage fee.

Please pray that we will have the strength to cope with the extra luggage until we arrive at the hospital. In the baggage will be instruments for the eye department, spectacle frames, a laptop computer, packing - by way of baby clothes, woolly hats, gloves, and so on - and anything else that will be useful that I can lay my hands on.

We particularly value your prayer support since the visit will be of greater significance than I had originally imagined. During the past few weeks, I have had the joy of meeting people from other churches who have made contact with Diptipur Hospital in one way or another. As a result, my confidence in what we are trying to do in God's strength and for his Kingdom has grown immensely.

Bishop Samson Das will be with us for the whole of our ten days in Orissa and we are extremely grateful for all the travel and accommodation arrangements that he has made for us. The Bishop sends his greetings to all his friends in our church.

Please pray for us as we make our final arrangements for the journey on 27th November.

Aileen Hagen

OCTOBER 2007: DIPTIPUR UPDATE

The rains were welcome at the beginning of June/July, but they failed later in the season, so the farmers were worried.

In the area around the hospital, there is no irrigation from the Hirakud Dam, so the farmers are totally reliant on the rain. If no rain falls, the rice crop fails.

If this happens, one of the results is that the number of patients at Diptipur Hospital decreases because families have no money for medical treatment. This also means that the hospital's income falls.

Currently, rather than health in general, survival is the priority. Health problems are dealt with by the local untrained, self-appointed 'doctors'. People consider coming to the hospital only when it is a matter of life and death - so the hospital at Diptipur has some very sick patients.

At the end of August, a jeep pulled into the hospital compound, bringing a gaunt-looking totally dehydrated and collapsed man who had been suffering from severe diarrhoea and vomiting - a common problem during the wet and warm season. He had a barely audible heart rate and was so weak he could hardly open his eyes. After ten pints of intravenous fluids, his pulse and blood pressure returned and he was a new person. His treatment is continuing and his family are filled with happiness and gratitude for the prompt and loving care he received at Diptipur Hospital.

During the rainy season, the doctors have to face an increase in the most dreaded forms of malaria - causing coma, kidney failure, fever, severe anaemia and a range of other complications. Daily, the hospital admits malaria patients. Thankfully, with modern drugs, most of these patients recover and go home.

We are eager to start extension work into the villages to teach self-protection from some of these dangers, awareness of early treatment and to bond with the community and build trust.

Diptipur Christian Hospital was well-known as a famous eye hospital in the '80s and '90s during the time of Dr D. Suna. The exciting news is that an eye surgeon is interested in joining the hospital and the staff are grateful to God for this news. Please pray that he will be committed to take up the challenge to bring sight to the curable blind - of which there are many.

There is also news that the hospital is to get financial help to mend the leaking roof and fund other renovation problems on the eye ward.

Please continue to pray for the hospital's patients and staff.

Aileen Hagen

AUGUST 2007: DIPTIPUR UPDATE

In June they were just able to earn their salaries, but could not to clear any bills. That would have to wait until July. What a stressful situation in which the staff have to work and, moreover, they need to do their best for the patients! We covet your prayers as we plan and spend time in Diptipur. Please continue to pray for the staff of the hospital too. They rely on your prayers to see them through each day.

My travel companion to India in November will be Linda Atkinson, a friend of long standing from our Evesham days. Little did we know in those days that we would be making this journey together. Linda's late husband lectured for some time at a Bible College south of Delhi. Flying to New Delhi will allow us to spend two nights at the college with a son of the principal. From there, we fly to Orissa. The climate there is very hot and humid at present, as it is the monsoon season. The weather should be cooler and more pleasant when we arrive.

Aileen Hagen

JULY 2007: DIPTIPUR UPDATE

The number of deliveries in the maternity ward is increasing, due to the Indian Government benefits for low economic groups which have been available since 21st May.

Also encouraging is the news of the arrival of the portable X-ray machine. This will be installed when the X-ray mechanic arrives at the hospital. Up to now there has been no response to the many appeals and advertisements for a general surgeon and an eye specialist at the hospital. Please pray that two doctors to fill these posts will be found in the near future.

The Golden Jubilee celebration will be held in the first week in December, during my visit. I shall be in India from 27th November to 12th December. More details of the itinerary will be finalised soon, but I expect to spend ten days in Orissa in Cuttack with Bishop Samson Das and his family, and in Diptipur with Dr Samal at the hospital.

Please pray with me that all the arrangements will go according to plan. And please continue to pray for the work of the medical staff at the hospital who need encouragement in their difficult task.

Aileen Hagen

JUNE 2007: DIPTIPUR UPDATE

One encouraging aspect is that the present staff salaries are being maintained from the income of the hospital. This shows that the patient numbers are keeping up. The staff have painted some portions of the main building. Advertisements for new staff have been placed but, so far, I have not heard of any appointments being made. The expectations for the future of the hospital seem to be highly positive in all the reports from India that I have read.

However, there are some aspects which give me, and others with whom I have discussed the situation, cause for concern. Some parts of the hospital buildings are very old and are not properly maintained. This is due, in part, to the fact that the hospital was closed for three years when the previous doctor was killed in a road accident. To improve and maintain the property, some considerable amount of money will be needed. One area in need of urgent attention is the eye ward, where the roof is leaking and the staff have to use umbrellas when walking along the 'covered' walkway.

The Diptipur locality and the people of the community are poor and needy, so there is little money in the area. Some building work that needs completion will take considerable finance. The vehicle that is used at present is old and unreliable. It needs replacing. If two new doctors are appointed, their salaries will need to be covered for at least the first two years. This is really just the beginning and my visit in November will be to assess the situation and the viability of involvement.

It is not a matter of any emotional connection for me but following where I and others also believe God is leading. Last year, I felt overwhelmed by the task but now I feel ready to follow in God's strength if this is where he is leading. I do ask for your prayers as I plan my visit.

The temperature at Diptipur at present is around 44 degrees C (about 115 degrees F). Both the air conditioning units for the operating theatres packed up on 1st May, but the operations still carried on. The doctors were worn out and extremely dehydrated by 2pm. One doctor commented stoically that at least the monthly staff salaries had come in! It must be depressing to work in poorly maintained buildings. Such a state of affairs also presents a bad image to onlookers.

I was pleased that, when Dr Samson Das visited the hospital, he had his blood tested on the semi-auto analyser given by the Hagen family in memory of Geoffrey Hagen. Dr Das said it was excellent - but I don't know whether he was referring to the machine or to his blood!

Aileen Hagen

MAY 2007: DIPTIPUR UPDATE

Dr Samal is prepared to lead and take on responsibility for Diptipur Hospital and he needs our prayers as he shoulders this heavy task. Diptipur's local bishop, Dr C.K. Das, has had further discussions with Dr Samson Das on 14th April about the future development of the hospital.

Dr Rajnish Samal writes that they are just a step away from being accredited for the Government's programme for maternity and childcare. This means that the hospital is being recognised. Further progress in this private/government partnership is being planned. The hospital also had a visit from Dr Lucy Mathen from Second Sight UK, with a view to partnership to help with eye treatment, especially blindness resulting from cataracts.

So you will see that exciting things are happening at Diptipur and I would ask for your continuing prayers for the work there. And, finally ... this year is the Golden Jubilee of the Diptipur Hospital and I have been given the privilege of choosing the date of the celebrations to coincide with my visit in November.

Aileen Hagen

APRIL 2007: DIPTIPUR UPDATE

Dr Samson Das also had a long discussion in Cuttack with Dr Rajnish Samal, Director of Diptipur, and together they identified the primary needs of the hospital to bring it to its full potential.

The most important meeting is being held on 21-22 April, when Samson is in Diptipur. There, together with Bishop C.K. Das, Dr Rajnish Samal and Dr V. Henry, he will discuss and determine the future of the hospital. It is an exciting time for us and I would particularly ask for your prayers for this meeting.

Dr Samson Das also met Dr Sanjeebit Jachuck in Cuttack to share his experiences of England and, especially, his visit to St Albans.

You may remember that Dr Jachuck spends September to March of each year in India. This time, he has visited Diptipur to give his appraisal of the situation. He has a wide experience of medical matters in both England and India; is keenly following the results of the meetings concerning the future of Diptipur, and he has written the following overview of the situation: "The light is on Diptipur

"It all started with a nudge from Aileen just before I left for India. Before I realised it, the Rev Dr Samson Das was here to hear from you about Diptipur. He was so impressed that he went out of his way to approach the Authority with a plea to let Diptipur have a General Surgeon, an Eye Surgeon and a car to facilitate the hospital.

"It has also been brought to the attention of the Christian Medical Association of India that Diptipur is not alone to face such crises. The Association, along with the World Council of Churches, is reviewing the issues of sustainability of these hospitals.

"The health records in Orissa, India, are the worst in South East Asia. The challenges, needs and demands are beyond our imagination. Nothing short of a miracle can transform them. Two Baptist missionaries set a lamp burning in Diptipur some 60 years ago. Today, India's Ministry of Health has started developing rural health programmes and the Government of Orissa has recently introduced a health programme around Diptipur.

"Let us continue our unfailing prayers to keep the lamp burning in Diptipur. Let the Light so shine before men that it will glorify our Father in Heaven."

Aileen Hagen

MARCH 2007: DIPTIPUR UPDATE

The friendship shown to him made a big impression. As he said, when he came to England he knew no-one and, walking down the aeroplane steps on arrival at Heathrow, he prayed that God would lead him to some friends and that his ministry in England would be fruitful. That prayer was fulfilled for him and he really appreciated the wonderful opportunity he was given.

The work of the BMS missionaries in Orissa over many years - the subject of his doctoral thesis - has made a profound impression on him. He has developed a deep admiration of William Carey - from his time of graduate study at Serampore College. So he greatly appreciated his visit to Baptist World Mission Headquarters at Didcot and to Moulton to see the Carey memorabilia. The Carey plate, showing scenes of William Carey's life, will take a place of pride in the bishop's office in Cuttack.

So, what about Diptipur? Dr Das is planning to discuss the situation with Dr Jachuck in Cuttack before making the long journey to Diptipur for talks with Dr Rajnish Samal and other staff at the hospital as well as other significant people in the area.

After seeing the determination that there is here to help this hospital, he is going to do his best, on our behalf, to stabilise the staffing position and to put in place some strong support from the Church of North India.

I am optimistic. Watch this space.

Aileen Hagen

JANUARY 2007: DIPTIPUR UPDATE

The Baptist work in Orissa was begun by British Baptists working with the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS) and Dr Das was awarded his doctorate after writing a thesis about this connection with the BMS. He is comparatively young to have been consecrated as a bishop of the CNI.

I hope that his visit will give us an insight into our fellow Baptists in another country and culture.

This will be his first visit to England, although he has been to Europe - attending conferences in Amsterdam and Hungary. He is coming to the UK for a conference of International Bishops at Canterbury from 20th to 28th January and will then visit St. Albans from 29th January to 4th February. Please give him a real Baptist welcome and make him feel at home!

The work at Diptipur Hospital is busy, although the local harvest is not good and there is little spare money in families for treatment. Three recent sad cases of young adults in attempted suicides have had happier endings, thanks to medical help and counselling. Please pray for these young people.

The eye work at Diptipur is encouraging. Eye problems are common in India and Diptipur is well equipped for eye surgery. You may remember that Dr Suna, who was killed in a jeep accident, was a well known eye specialist in the area. November and December is the time of year for cataract operations and the resulting benefits are miraculous to the patients.

Dr Rajnish Samal will be back in Diptipur in the New Year, following the death of his father. Please continue to pray for this rural hospital in West Orissa, for its medical work and Christian witness.

Aileen Hagen

on to 2006