Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Dr. Paul Thistle

It's not often that physicians working for religious groups overseas get media attention, despite their wonderful work. Dr. Paul Thistle has been in the news in the past few days because he is being called back to Canada by the Salvation Army after 17 years heading a hospital in troubled Zimbabwe. He is the only certified physician, working alongside two other doctors he has trained, as well as a group of nurses. This 140 bed hospital addresses the health needs of 270,000 Zimbabweans and somehow Thistle has maintained his compassion, his hope, and his sense of humour.

My mother has generously supported Dr. Thistle's work for years, dating back to her days attending a Salvation Army corps. When he comes to Canada with his Zambabwean wife and children he stops to see my mother, typical of his kindness.

Thistle is probably being recalled because he has raised concerns that funding and supplies meant for the hospital are being diverted, possibly by local Salvation Army officials. His departure has been complicated by protests by locals who don't want to lose their doctor and friend. This shouldn't be happening and it is a huge loss for the people he served and Thistle himself. His family will be displaced and he will have to reconsider his life goals.

Have you heard about this situation? Any comments?

3 comments:

IanD said...

I read about the good doctor last week, and it's sad to see politicking getting in the way of someone's good work on behalf of others ... all because he dared tell the truth.

Read4ever365 said...

This is the first I've heard of Dr Thistle and for a brief moment I was shocked at the reaction to his questions. Unfortunately I have witnessed other large, well-meaning organizations drag people through the mud when whistles were blown. That said, there are billions of good people on the earth just trying to do the best they can and it sounds like this kind man will do just that.

David Mundy said...

Thanks to both of you. I should point out that it appears the Sally Anne in Canada is concerned about the safety of the Thistle family. And in Zimbabwe the issue may be diversion of funds for the hospital, rather than misappropriation. It is probably tempting to take money contributed for the hospital to use for other ministries. Whatever the case, Dr. Thistle's departure will be a sad day.