The Women's Clinic in Tafila

Several months ago we heard about the National Women's Health Care Center in Jordan and made an appointment to go and see them.  During our visit with the administrators we learned that the center deals specifically with women's health under the direction of Queen Noir (one of the royal family members).   It sounded like a good organization and we made an appointment to visit their clinic in Tafila, a very poor area in southern Jordan.

An employee named Rhamen speaks very good English and knows the way, so we were happy to have her go with us.  

Tafila is tucked in a secluded valley east of the  Dead Sea.  

It's a beautiful setting and a peaceful little town.  Remember--the people in the area are very poor.

We were expecting a humble little center in need of a lot of help.  

What we saw was completely the opposite:  

Everything they showed us was very modern and new, starting with the reception desk.

The center's pharmacy is well stocked with vitamins and drugs.   All medications are free.

Laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment.

x-ray machine for mammograms.

Modern ultrasound equipment.

 More x-ray equipment

Bone density scanner 

 Dental equipment better than our dentist has at home.

 Slit lamp for eye examinations

A mobile health van

They also offer a variety of services, including family planning, family counseling, etc.  There's a large auditorium for classes.  Even the restrooms had real toilets--and paper too.

We looked around and noticed only a handful of patients.  "Where is everyone?"  We were told that  the women come early in the morning to the center and then hurry back home to take care of their families.

This is an organization that needs help from LDS Charities???  We can't figure it out.  The facility we saw must have cost millions and wasn't lacking in anything.  It was the finest facility we have seen ANYWHERE in a developing country.  We have a meeting with their administration next week.  It will be interesting to see what they have to say.