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A lifetime of service at Attat Hospital, Ethiopia Caring for the health of the Guraghe people in Attat, Ethiopia, is one of hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to others today. Forty years ago, Sister Inge Jansen began her healing ministry among the Guraghe people in Attat, Ethiopia. She was one of three Medical Mission Sisters and ten helpers to start Attat Hospital in 1969, with mainly outpatient services. In that first year, nearly 20,000 patients were seen. There were no beds, only mattresses on the floor. Sister Inge says, “I remember our first patients very well. It was hard for us to treat their tropical ulcers, scabies, eye trouble and fevers, and to deal with all the lice, fleas, and especially the flies all around. Typhoid patients were among the first inpatients.” She adds, “The miracle of healing happened from the very beginning. People soon brought patients with so much hope and trust – the first and very critical step towards healing. Even today, they come with great faith, and we thank Our Lady of Lourdes, our parish patron saint, for all her help.” Sister Inge has seen Attat Hospital grow a great deal. This past year, over 65,000 patients were treated in the outpatient department, and 6,356 patients were admitted. More than 1,700 babies are born at the hospital each year, mainly to high risk mothers. When people are unable to pay for their treatment, they are told, “Go see Sister Inge in the office.” Sister reflects, “For me, this mission was and is a lifelong commitment. Especially during difficult periods, the people around us counted on us. They promised all the support they could give, and together, we hoped for better times. Even when there was no medicine available, our presence was important.”
In March, 2009, Sister Inge received the Pro Pontificae et Ecclesae Medal from the Holy Father, presented by Bishop Abuna Musie. She shares, “I thank God for my vocation to Medical Mission Sisters, for bringing me here to Attat, and for being able to stay here for the better part of my life.”
“I imagine we are bringing a little sunshine, and the rays, through God’s miracle, are daily continuing to touch the now over a million people living in our catchment area, mostly still living simply in mud or grass houses. What an honor it is for us to continue to be in mission here!” January 1, 2010
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