Ladakh Disability and Rehabilitation Training (LDRT) Program, India

From 2007- 2009, the LDRT program had a Community-based Rehabilitation focus with direct work with local NGO HEALTH Inc in the remote villages of Ladakh. Interest from the doctors at the government hospital began in 2009 with the joint development of Ladakh’s first mental health primer by local doctors, HEALTH Inc and the Canadian Team. In 2010, the Pediatric Unit for Special Children was established and inaugurated with joint efforts by the hospital staff and the Canadian team. This is a report of the 1-year follow-up.

On 2 July 2011 the staff of the Pediatric Unit for Special Children and the Canadian team presented the following documents to:

· Dr. Dolma, Chief Medical Officer

· Dr. P. Tsering, Medical Superintendent of Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital

· Dr. Namgyal, ENT

· Dr. Spalchen, Pediatrician

· Dr. Rinchen Angmo, Pediatrician

The areas of discussion in this meeting included:

· Review of documents

· Plans for 2012 Canadian training team

· Lack of communication within hospital about patients

· Lack of funding for materials and resources

· The development and training approach of the unit

· Recruitment and retention of unit professional staff

Overall, there was a strong commitment from everyone to ensure the continued success and growth of the Pediatric Unit.

Canadian Team Recommendations for the Pediatric Unit for Special Children July 2011 (1 year post-inauguration)