In summer 2016, Hartwig Maurer gave up his joint practice with Heinz Grienberger on Ginzkeyplatz. A short time later, he is sitting in one of the largest slums in East Africa, treating poor people who would otherwise not be able to afford to see a doctor.
Why is he doing this?
“I always had a bit of a dream of working as a doctor in faraway countries. I got to know Werner Waldmann when he was still working as a pediatrician. His projects in the Indian slums were well known and I always hoped to be able to take part in them. This year the time had really come!
Three Salzburg pediatricians on assignment in Nairobi! Two newcomers, Heinz Grienberger and I, together with Christian Gross, who has years of experience from many missions.
My fear? No, excitement, not knowing how to cope with new challenges. They came, but with Christian in the background, they were doable.
The meaningfulness? I always want to help the person sitting, standing or lying in front of me. They are important. I can’t quickly influence the respective unjust social and political systems. But the help arrives immediately.
The medical challenge? Lots of everyday ailments like in Austria, back pain and psychosomatic complaints. But also serious and life-threatening illnesses: Tuberculosis, malaria, bone marrow suppuration, leukemia.
My personal “highlight”: I was allowed to help a very small baby (1800g) of an HIV positive mother to be born in the emergency room. My friend Heinz noticed the tears I had wiped away in the photo afterwards. I will go home with many new and unforgettable memories. I certainly want to come back here.”
