Bach Christian
Hospital
Pakistan, Asia
Origin Story & Hospital Summary:
Bach Christian Hospital (BCH) was established in 1956 by the Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM), named in honor of founding missionary Thomas Bach. Located in the village of Qalandarabad in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, the hospital sits at the foothills of the Himalayas. The area is known for its historical significance as part of the ancient Silk Route and its beautiful mountainous landscape. Over the decades, BCH has grown to become a vital healthcare provider in the region, offering much-needed medical services to rural Pakistanis.BCH is a 60-bed hospital providing care to patients with a variety of conditions, including diabetes, tuberculosis, typhoid, burns, and more. The hospital caters to a large number of ill children and women with obstetrical emergencies and complications. The medical staff consists of physicians from the US, Pakistan, Scotland, and Germany. BCH treats several hundred patients daily in its outpatient clinics and has specialized departments for general surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, and physical therapy.
Technology & Capacity:
The hospital is equipped with two operating rooms, a physical therapy department that expanded post-2005 earthquake to include prosthetics, and comprehensive laboratory, radiology, ultrasound, and pharmacy services. BCH performs common surgical procedures such as urology, thyroid surgery, and treatment of abdominal perforation.
Church and Governance:
BCH is operated by TEAM, a mission organization based in Illinois, USA. The hospital maintains a Christian ethos, providing compassionate care inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ. The hospital's reputation for quality care and trustworthiness has been built over decades of dedicated service to the community.
Training Opportunities:
BCH offers training and volunteer opportunities for visiting health professionals, including students and residents. Participants are involved in a full range of clinical care activities, including ward rounds, clinics, surgery, obstetrics (female workers only, except for surgical procedures), burn care, and physical therapy. Daily chapel services and brief medical education sessions are part of the hospital's routine.
Medical and Support Staff Needs:
General Surgeons
Obstetricians
Pediatricians
Family Physicians
Physical Therapists
Language:
Urdu is the dominant local language, but seven different languages are commonly spoken in the area. Hospital charts are in English, and translation between English and Urdu is readily available. Visitors have the opportunity to study Urdu if desired.
Housing & Food:
Visitors are provided with furnished apartments that include kitchens. Local food shopping is available, and a group lunch is held each afternoon. Women are expected to wear local dress, including head coverings in public and at the hospital. Men may wear western clothing or local dress but should avoid short pants.
Travel:
Visitors fly into Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, from where a hospital representative will drive them to BCH, approximately a three-hour trip. Visitors should refer to the Pakistan embassy website for current visa information. Travelers are advised to consult with their personal physicians and review health and safety information from the CDC and the U.S. State Department before traveling.
Time Difference:
Pakistan operates on Pakistan Standard Time (PST), which is UTC+5.
People and Local Religion:
The hospital serves a population from various tribal groups with limited resources and low literacy rates (20% among women and 50% among men). The community is predominantly Muslim, with a minority of Christians and other religious groups.
Climate:
The region experiences warm summers with occasional snow in the winter. The mountainous area offers a unique climate that differs from the hotter lowlands of Pakistan.
Unique Challenges:
Common health issues include tuberculosis, typhoid, and complications from burns. The hospital also deals with high-risk pregnancies and a range of surgical conditions. Traditional midwives handle most deliveries at home, with only high-risk cases admitted to the hospital.
Evangelism Opportunities:
BBH integrates spiritual care into its services, providing opportunities for staff and volunteers to share their faith and offer spiritual support to patients. The hospital’s mission emphasizes compassionate care inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ.
For further details, visit the Bangalore Baptist Hospital website.