The last five days had been very hectic and I sit today to review our journey and involvement as member of India-Nigeria Rotary Polio Surgeries medicare mission at Abuja, it appears so overwhelming. Sitting here in Abuja, I am trying to recapitulate some of the highlights for our Rotarian friends who are following our posts, and of course, the family members of the team members. On 1st December, the Team India flew into Mumbai and converged in a guest house for a preliminary briefing session. PDG Dr Rajiv Pradhan and PDG Dr, Deepak Purohit provided an overview of the project, the challenges and the opportunities for the Indian doctors to prove themselves once again, as adaptive, resilient, and innovative, who are ready to perform in any work situation.
The meeting continued for over one and a half hour before everyone went ahead to have their dinner. It was 11pm, and despite repeated requests to take rest for a long day ahead, no one was really willing.
Early in the morning at 1am everyone was ready for action as truck containing the packages arrived. No one was tired. No sleep in sight. Just last minute checks, jokes, and excitement.
Early in the morning at 1am everyone was ready for action as truck containing the packages arrived. No one was tired. No sleep in sight. Just last minute checks, jokes, and excitement.
We arrived at the International Airport at 2pm and each one, every doctor and volunteer, was holding on to the precious equipment and supplies and moved on to the baggage check.
Dr. Amod and others waiting for their turn. There were 64 pieces of cartons and the total load was 1135kgs. Thanks to the very cooperative staff of Ethiopian airlines who patiently loaded the baggage with a smile.
The doctors were not shy off personally unloading the material and putting it together at the Abuja airport. Local Rotarians also joined in especially the mission coordinator PDG Saliu Ahmad. Seen in T-shirt is Indian team leader DG Dr. Girish Gune of D3131.
Dr. Deepak Purohit being greated by a Health Ministry's official at the airport.
It was gracious of Past Rotary International President Jonathan Majiyagbe and his wife Ade to wait outside the airport for nearly 2 hours as we got our baggage sorted out.
And as we boarded the coach, DG Felix A.E. Obadan, RI District 9125 reached the airport and greeted the team members.
A big Thank You for all Team Members and Rotary Volunteers for a great effort in the service of the Humanity. I salute the team.
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