Vision and strategy: closer to the doctor.
China has created a number of so called Tibetan Autonomous Regions (TAR). These are regions in China, also outside the territory that we in the West are familiar with as "Tibet". The large majority of inhabitants are ethnic Tibetans.
Golog is such a TAR, located in the Qinghai province. The population is mainly poor to very poor, specifically outside the towns. Facilities like education and healthcare are minimal or completely lacking.
Our goal is to support the improvement of the healthcare situation in this region. A second goal is to provide English language lessons in Dawu (see the special page). The background of our choice for this region is that we came into contact with lama Jigmé Namgyal who was born and raised there. That makes us feel attached to the needs of the people of Golog. On a practical note it is important that we have direct contacts with persons and organisations in this region. That offers opportunities to offer very direct help.
From 2009 we took over the care for a small group of ten nomad children, amongst whom also orphans. We transfered this former private initiative into the specially started Golog Child Fund.
Our vision is: bring the doctor closer to the people via the mobile doctor.
In the long run we have the vision to create a network of small, local healthcare centres, wherever possible in co-operation with other organisations. Our facilities will focus on the poorest, mostly Tibetan women, children and older persons.Success is not a given. Via local co-operation and building expertise, we plan to grow gradually.
During the summer of 2009 we made the financial means available for a local, Tibetan doctor to travel around and visit places where in that period many nomads gather. With a car, Tibetan medication and some local assistence, the doctor provided basic medical help to 1840 individuals. The costs were a few euros per patient, including medication.
Although many wishes remain, we may conclude that this action was very effective and succesful. We plan to repeat and extend this approach, if possible with the addition of specialised doctors.
Based on the reslts in 2009 we decided to focus on this mobile medical help. Therewith we have, at least for the time being, abandoned our startegy to implement some physical medical posts.
The Golog Support Foundation is focused on humanitarian support. We are an independent foundation and we have no religious or political connections.
Our organisation costs are very low, which makes it possible to spend almost all our funds on the activities in Golog. Our books are open for inspection by our donors. We also have the usual control. At this moment we do not (yet) have an official quality mark, given the relatively high costs and the organisational burden to require it. During a next phase we will reconsider this position.