Man with Baby--February 2014

Photo by John Carroll

I came to this hospital because my baby is breathing fast since this morning. Can you help?

Where is his mother?

On the street corner in Soleil selling carrots. Can you help me?

No we can’t help at this hospital. We have very little to help the baby. We have a crib and oxygen but you can’t pay for it. So you need to go.

I have no where to go. I have no money. Where do I take my baby?

Please, don’t you understand? There is a big conference going on now downtown that uses acronyms such as MSPP, NGO, and MPCE. And big concepts such as “decentralization of care” and “even distribution of aid” are being discussed now. Don’t you get it?

I don’t really understand those words. But can you help my baby?

No not now. You need to run. Run to another hospital now. Maybe they can help you. It is getting dark fast. Here is five dollars. Get the tap-tap now. Go fast.

Why can’t you help?

There is no time to explain. Please go quickly.

John A. Carroll, MD
www.haitianhearts.org