| Q. |
Where is Maluti Adventist
Hospital located? |
| A. |
Maluti is located in the Berea
District of Lesotho in the Maluti Mountains. We are in the
town of Mapoteng which is 40 km east of Ficksburg, RSA and 70
km NW of the capitol Maseru. The roads are all paved to the
hospital. |
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| Q. |
Can you provide an overview of
what a physician does at the hospital? |
| A. |
Click
here for the answer. |
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| Q. |
Must I be an Adventist (Seventh
Day Adventist Church) to work at Maluti Adventist Hospital?
|
| A. |
No, but the hospital does expect
that volunteers & others be respectful of the beliefs and
practices of the Adventists, as well as other belief systems.
There is a SDA church on the campus where you are most welcome
to join in worship on Sabbath. (Sunset Friday until till
sunset Saturday). Services are in Sesotho & English.
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| Q. |
How do I travel to Lesotho and
then on to the hospital? |
| A. |
Most International flights go to
Johannesburg, SA. A connecting flight can be made to Maseru,
Lesotho where you can be met by a hospital vehicle. Or fly
from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein, SA and take a three hour
taxi to Maseru, Lesotho where you can be met by a hospital
vehicle; Or, take a bus from Johannesburg to Ficksburg, SA
where you can be met by a hospital vehicle. (It is usually
worth the extra money to fly direct to Maseru) |
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| Q. |
What is the risk to a doctor of
getting HIV/AIDS? |
| A. |
Universal precautions are always
encouraged. |
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| Q. |
Is Lesotho politically stable?
|
| A. |
Yes, except for a few days in
1998 when there was a bit of civil unrest during elections.
The unrest was limited to the Capitol & couple of
surrounding towns. Maluti Hospital in Mapoteng was not
affected. |
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| Q. |
How easy is it to go to S.
Africa—and elsewhere? |
| A. |
Ficksburg, S. Africa, is just 40
km away. Hospital & private vehicles make the trip
frequently. There are also mini-bus taxis that are
inexpensive, crowded, & “colourful” that can take you to
the border. From Ficksburg there is access to the rest of RSA
via bus or train. Check with your country of residence about
any VISA requirements. Car rentals and air service are
available in Bloemontein, a 3 hour taxi ride from Ficksburg.
There is also an international airport in Maseru, Lesotho.
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| Q. |
What do I do about money? |
| A. |
Lesotho recognizes either Maloti
or South African Rand. They are an equivalent exchange.
However, in RSA only the border towns will accept Maloti but
rand is good anywhere in Lesotho. Traveler’s checks may be
cashed or your home currency exchanged in Maseru, Lesotho or
Ficksburg (& other cities), RSA. ATM’s may also be
accessed in Maseru or RSA. |
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| Q. |
What kind of accommodations will
I have? |
| A. |
Housing is varied but all is on
the hospital campus. It is dependent on your needs &
availability at the time of your arrival. Typically housing is
in the guest house, with a family, or in a vacant house.
Wherever you are located you will likely be `sharing space’
with others, although you will likely have your own room. Meal
preparation is on your own or to share with those with whom
you live. Each accommodation has electricity, plumbing, and
running water. |
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| Q. |
What language is spoken? |
| A. |
The official languages of Lesotho
are Sesotho and English. The professional staff at the
hospital all speak English while the majority of patients
speak Sesotho. The medical staff work with the help of
translators. |
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| Q. |
Are there many foreign
nationalities represented at the hospital ? |
| A. |
The nationalities represented
change as often as the staff/volunteers change. Currently and
in the recent past there have been ex-patriots from
Madagascar, Argentina, S. Africa, Switzerland, Germany,
England, Canada, Nigeria, & USA. Most of the nursing staff
are Basotho. |
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| Q. |
What is the area like outside of
the hospital campus? |
| A. |
Maluti is located in the small
town of Mapoteng. There is one “general store” as well as an
assortment of a few small shops selling items as vegetables,
eggs, etc.. Mapoteng is approximately a 10 minute walk from
the campus. We are nestled in the mountains which are dotted
with numerous small villages of single room homes often with
thatched roofs. There is easy access to some great hiking if
you are so inclined, or a more leisure strolls if you prefer.
Winters are dry, cold, & brown while summers are warm, lo
humidity, & green (remember we are south of the equator.)
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