Day 7

On the 7th Day, we visit health institutions.

The first one is Den Achtkanter, an organization that works with disabled people. The place has facilities and training that amazes me. The institution promotes the welfare of the people with disabilities and deems them important in the society. Their goal is to give the disable a professional identity.

I enjoy the tour around the place. The place has many areas where a client can choose where to work depending on his/her interests or inclinations.

This is the Paper Making workshop. They make colorful paper from recycled materials for scrap booking materials or packaging.

They have volunteers and clients in the kitchen, too.

This is the wood workshop.

At the wood workshop, they make this cool wooden handicrafts and some paper crafts as well:

Cute paperbacks for chocolates.

A cute heart key chain. You can give the other half to someone dear to you.

Candle workshop

Potter workshop. It has always been my dream to try pottery as a hobby.

All the handicrafts are sold in the shop/cafe.

At the cellar of the shop. They sell chocolates, flavored vinegars/ciders, etc.

At the cafe, we are served drinks by an enabled 'disabled'. We also played with games that are around the cafe.



In the afternoon, we visit Azlgroeninge, the hospital.

The first thing I notice is the minimalistic and impeccable architecture. In one of the hospital conference rooms, we discuss about the hospital and the Belgian's social security system and insurance policies. I've also learned that it took thirty years of planning the hospital. The green view and natural lighting is utilized to ensure a conducive environment for healing.

The Belgians have insurances from the day they are born. They pay high taxes, but in effect, their taxes ensure them of free services in the hospitals. The hospital still treats patients who are not ensured our unable to pay. They give care to the patients first and worry about the financial aspects later. In some hospitals in the Philippines, they do not render you their services if you can't pay the down payment.

Azlgroeninge is two-year-old a private and public hospital.

Future expansion (credits to J.Lo)

The beautiful and simple interior of Azlgroeninge

Azlgroeninge is still an on-going project and they are still planning to expand their hospital to cater to more people. Azlgroeninge is strategically located that other hospitals are located within its radius.


We are toured around the hospital: (photos credits to: Faith Villanueva)
 

Physical Therapy

At the ICU: this is how they monitor the patients' conditions

Pediatrics Ward

We are overwhelmed by the modern and advance facilities and equipments in the hospital. In contrast to the hospitals in the Philippines:

Situation: This is how public hospitals look like in the Philippines. This is a maternity ward. In one bed, there are two or three people sharing it. (credits to : MailOnline)