Himalayan Health & Hearing Inc.
Volunteer Policy
Version 2 Date created: 25/05/2013 Review date: 25/05/2014
An updated version of the Volunteer Policy & Application is currently under development, please Contact us for details or apply online.
1 Introduction
This policy has been developed to protect the interests of the Association, its volunteers and most importantly, the beneficiaries of the Association and to assist those applying to volunteer within Himalayan Health & Hearing Inc. by:
(1) Clearly defining the goals of our Association for prospective volunteers.
(2) Assisting the Association to determine the suitability of individual volunteers for volunteer work within the Association in terms of-
(a) health and wellbeing
(b) motivation
(c) skills and experience
(d) flexibility
(e) ability to work as part of a team
(f) intention to enhance the Association ie. “to bring something to the table”
(g) self-reliance
(3) Providing guidance to people who are considering becoming a volunteer.
(4) Managing the expectations of volunteers and the association.
2 Volunteering with Himalayan Health & Hearing Inc.
2.1 The Association values all contributions, big and small, made by volunteers.
2.2 The Association aims to benefit as many people as possible with the resources available to it, including its volunteers
2.3 The efforts of volunteers will be used to assist the Association to achieve its object of assisting with the development of the provision of primary ear care and rehabilitation of hearing impaired persons in Developing Countries who would otherwise have no access to such services by assisting recognized organisations native to those Developing Countries.
2.4 Volunteers can assist the Association in many ways including:-
(1) hands-on assistance on one of the projects of the Association including:-
(a) assisting with hearing assessments, fitting hearing aids , training local personnel in hearing related work; and
(b) assisting with organisational tasks such as recording names, taking photos and general support tasks;
(Restrictions on tourists in some jurisdictions limit the volunteer “work” that can be carried out. Volunteers should discuss their expectations with the Association to avoid disappointment.)
(2) fundraising;
(3) promoting the Association and its objectives; and
(4) seeking donations of hearing aids (new and used) and other hearing equipment to be used in Nepal.
2.5 Volunteers must observe the rules and policies of the Association as well as the relevant laws, regulations and policies of the jurisdiction in which the volunteer work is being undertaken at all times. It will be the volunteer’s responsibility to familiarise themselves with the relevant rules, policies, laws and regulations. Volunteers should contact the Association if they require further information in this regard.
2.6 Any volunteer work carried out by a volunteer is strictly at the volunteer’s own risk. The Association will not be held liable for the actions of volunteers.
3 How to Become a Volunteer
3.1 Prospective volunteers must complete and submit an application form, which is available by contacting the Secretary of the Association or from the website www.himalayanhealthandhearing.org/volunteers.
Application forms are to be submitted online or by post to:-
Himalayan Health & Hearing Inc.
c/- PO Box 599
Cannonvale
QLD 4802
AUSTRALIA
3.2 Each application must be approved by the Management Committee before a person can become a volunteer of the Association. The Management Committee may at its sole discretion approve or decline an application.
3.3 An applicant must be given written notice of the Management Committee’s decision within 14 days of the decision.
3.4 The Management Committee may impose reasonable restrictions on a Volunteer’s participation within the Association provided that the Volunteer is given written notice of those restrictions within 14 days of the Management Committee’s decision.
3.5 Volunteers will not be permitted to undertake volunteer work that would place them in contact with children until such time as the volunteer has undergone a satisfactory police check. The applicant must undertake the police check at the applicant’s cost. In the event that the applicant does not pass a police check, the Management Committee must either reject the applicant’s application or impose restrictions on the Volunteer which prohibits the applicant from coming into contact with children. It is the policy of the Association that unsupervised contact between a child and a volunteer of the Association is prohibited.
4 Travel
4.1 At present, while the Association’s activities are focused mainly in Nepal, projects in other areas of the Himalayan region are also being undertaken..
4.2 Travel in this region involves significant planning and for this reason, any volunteer wishing to travel with the Association to undertake volunteer work must submit an application at least three (3) months prior to the departure date. The prospective volunteer’s application must be accepted prior to departure.
4.3 Travel as a volunteer with Himalayan Health & Hearing Inc. is at the volunteer’s sole cost and expense. Travel costs generally include but are not limited to:
(1) return airfares;
(2) travel insurance;
(3) clothing and equipment; and
(4) accommodation costs (at the date of this policy accommodation costs were approximately AU$60.00 per day for remote ear camps including food & accommodation and AU$15-40 per day for accommodation in Kathmandu).
4.4 Depending on the volunteer work to be undertaken by a volunteer, the Association may require a volunteer to contribute a one-off payment of $500.00 to cover expenses including:-
(1) Incidental damage to equipment owned by the Association;
(2) Consumables including batteries, tips, impression material, repairs and calibration costs; and
(3) Wages/gratuities to Nepali assistants working with the Association.
4.5 Typically, volunteer work is undertaken in conjunction with Nepal Association of the Hard of Hearing (NAHOH), Nepal Australia Friendship Association (NAFA) and Kopan Monastery in ear camps throughout various regions in Nepal and nearby countries. Many of the locations of the remote ear camps are extremely remote. Depending on the location of the ear camps, travel may be by airplane, vehicle, trekking on foot, or by other means.
4.6 Volunteers entering Nepal on a Tourist Visa are not permitted to work within Nepal and this extends to activities such as a volunteer testing an ear camp patient. For audiology professionals, there is some scope for volunteers in a training role. The Nepali government does monitor the work of tourists and prosecution may result. It is essential that volunteers respect the laws and policies of Nepal and follow the directions given whilst carrying out volunteer work.
4.7 The Association will assist volunteers by providing:-
(1) fundraising ideas to assist with travel costs;
(2) an introduction to a reliable trekking agency;
(3) moral support when things get difficult;
(4) recommendations on hotels and restaurants; and
(5) introductions to affiliated organisations.
4.8 The Association can not provide volunteers with:-
(1) payment for any work undertaken by volunteers; or
(2) bookings of hotels or travel.
Nor can the Association:-
(3) act as a travel guide; or
(4) take responsibility for any problems or issues faced when in Nepal.
4.9 Volunteers traveling to Nepal should demonstrate the following attributes:-
(1) Healthy – volunteers should be generally of good health and the Association recommends that volunteers seek the advice of their health professionals before embarking on travel to Nepal.
(2) Resourceful – the language barrier presents inevitable challenges, and you will often need to work with translators who are themselves volunteers!
(3) Independent – in making own arrangements outside of scope of the work of the Association.
(4) Able to cope with different situations.
(5) Patient – the pace of life is slower and things do not always go according to plan
(6) Able to take initiative where there are no clear guidelines for how to behave, eg at various children’s institutions there may be no formal volunteer policies.
(7) Willing to allow time before and after a project in case of travel delays, bad weather, strikes etc.
(8) Generous with their time in regards packing, briefing and preparation for trips (some trips requires special Passes which take time to arrange).
4.10 Travel to Nepal by a volunteer is strictly at the Volunteer’s own risk and the Association can not guarantee the volunteers safety whilst in Nepal.
The following are some of the current issues faced by people visiting Nepal:-
(1) electricity load shedding / blackouts;
(2) strikes;
(3) lack of hot water in hotels;
(4) lack of decent toilets in village areas;
(5) food different to what you are used to; and
(6) language barriers, especially in rural areas.
4.11 When volunteering in Nepal the Association asks that volunteers:-
(1) obey all applicable local laws, regulations and policies at all times;
(2) respect the local people and listen to what they say;
(3) when wanting to help, find out what they need – don’t tell or give them what you think they need or should have;
(4) respect the cultural differences and way of life;
(5) be prepared to take only what is required on remote trips and assume personal responsibility for your belongings;
(6) remember, your personal life needs to be kept separate to your role as a volunteer; and
(7) observe ethical discipline – keep your relationships with other team members on a professional footing – friendly but respectful.
4.12 The Association recommends that before Volunteers embark on travel to Nepal that the volunteer:-
(1) Reads some information on Nepal. Good sources of information are the Lonely Planet guides and on-line resources on Nepal’s culture and way of life, though the Association does not guarantee the accuracy of any information.
(2) Talk to others who have traveled to Nepal on previous occasions.
(3) Seek the advice of your health professional and consider any precautions you may need to take including vaccinations.
(4) Seek the advice of government advisory services such as “Smartraveller”.
(5) Think seriously about your motivation for volunteering and what you are hoping to gain on a personal level.
Himalayan Health & Hearing Inc.
Policy on terrorism, and protection of children from sex abuse and tourism including harm minimization practices
Version 3 Date created: 11/08/2014 Review date: 11/08/2015
Download pdf version HERE
1 Awareness of issues related to terrorism, child abuse and sex tourism in Nepal and Himalayan region.
1.1 The Association is aware that program funds may be used for illegitimate purposes including support of terrorism. While Nepal is not considered a safe haven for international terrorists or an international money laundering centre, politically and religiously motivated violence does occur as do illegal activities related to smuggling, extortion and protection demands (Dunham, M. 2010 US Department of State Office of the Coordinator for Counter Terrorism, Country Reports on Terrorism, 2009). NGOs operating in Nepal need to be vigilant to ensure that funds only go to support the intended beneficiaries of their programs.
1.2 The Association is aware that the Australian Federal Government maintains a list of terrorist organisations in accordance with its Listing Protocols. The list of terrorist organisations is published on the Federal Government’s National Security Website http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/agd/www/nationalsecurity.nsf/alldocs/95fb057ca3decf30ca256fab001f7fbd?opendocument. At the date of the publication of this policy 17 organisations were listed:-
(1) Abu Sayyaf Group – Listed 14 November 2002, re-listed 5 November 2004, 3 November 2006, 1 November 2008 and 29 October 2010
(2) Al-Qa’ida (AQ) – Listed 21 October 2002, re-listed 1 September 2004, 26 August 2006, 8 August 2008 and 22 July 2010
(3) Al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) – Listed 26 November 2010
(4) Al-Qa’ida in Iraq (AQI) (formerly listed as Al-Zarqawi and TQJBR) – Listed 2 March 2005, re-listed 17 February 2007, 1 November 2008 and 29 October 2010
(5) Al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) – Listed 14 November 2002, re-listed 5 November 2004, 3 November 2006, 9 August 2008 and 22 July 2010
(6) Al-Shabaab – Listed 22 August 2009 and 18 August 2012
(7) Ansar al-Islam (formerly known as Ansar al-Sunna) – Listed 27 March 2003, re-listed 27 March 2005, 24 March 2007, 14 March 2009 and 9 March 2012
(8) Hamas’s Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades – Listed in Australia 9 November 2003, re-listed 5 June 2005, 7 October 2005, 10 September 2007, 8 September 2009 and 18 August 2012
(9) Hizballah External Security Organisation – Listed 5 June 2003 and re-listed 5 June 2005, 25 May 2007, 16 May 2009 and 10 May 2012
(10) Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan – Listed 11 April 2003, re-listed 11 April 2005, re-listed 31 March 2007, 14 March 2009 and 9 March 2012
(11) Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) – Listed 11 April 2003, re-listed 11 April 2005, 31 March 2007, 14 March 2009 and 9 March 2012
Version 2 Date created: 30/05/2013 Review date: 30/05/2014
(12) Jamiat ul-Ansar (formerly known as Harakat Ul-Mujahideen) – Listed 14 November 2002, re-listed 5 November 2004, 3 November 2006, 1 November 2008 and 29 October 2010
(13) Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) – Listed 27 October 2002, re-listed 1 September 2004, 26 August 2006, 9 August 2008 and 22 July 2010
(14) Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) – Listed 17 December 2005, re-listed 28 September 2007, 8 September 2009 and 18 August 2012
(15) Lashkar-e Jhangvi (LeJ) – Listed 11 April 2003, re-listed 11 April 2005, 31 March 2007, 14 March 2009 and 9 March 2012
(16) Lashkar-e-Tayyiba – Listed 9 November 2003, re-listed 5 June 2005, 7 October 2005, 8 September 2007, 8 September 2009 and 18 August 2012
(17) Palestinian Islamic Jihad – Listed 3 May 2004, re-listed 5 June 2005, 7 October 2005, 8 September 2007, 8 September 2009 and 18 August 2012
1.3 The Association is fully aware of the extent of the problem of sex tourism and child abuse in Nepal. It is familiar with the 2005-2015 National Plan of Action for Children developed by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, Nepal, which focuses on general issues of health and protection of children against abuse, exploitation, violence and combating HIV/AIDS. The Association is aware that Nepal has ratified almost all international instruments regarding child rights and has been submitting its periodic reports to the UNCRC (UN Convention on the Rights of the Child). The Association is aware of the legislative framework surrounding child abuse of all kinds in Nepal enshrined in the Children’s Act 1992 of Nepal which prohibits a range of abuses against children and provides for punishment of offences under the Act (see: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/CRC/docs/study/responses/Nepal.pdf).
1.4 While the professional practices related to primary ear care, hearing assessment, and treatment do not involve the higher risk factors often associated with sex tourism/child abuse (eg adults being alone with a child, direct physical care and contact – bathing, live-in supervision etc), the Association recognises that sex tourism/child abuse can and does occur under diverse conditions. The Association recognises its obligations to protect children from such abuse. The Association has in place strategies set out in this Policy to ensure that its funds do not go to any individual or group associated with terrorism and utilises practices designed to minimise the risk of abuse and sex tourism in relation to children as set out below:
2 Strategies to minimise the possibility of funds providing direct or indirect support or resources to organisations and individuals associated with terrorism.
2.1 The level of need of any group requiring hearing services is assessed by the Association’s staff in Nepal in collaboration with volunteer professional hearing experts who assist with delivery of services. Only groups who exhibit high need and who demonstrate a legitimate purpose (for example, schools in remote areas, schools which include low caste children, disadvantaged children, carpet factory workers, elderly in care centres, children in homes, individuals with disabilities, individuals in monasteries etc) are provided with hearing services.
2.2 A detailed record is kept of all hearing devices given to an individual. A list of equipment held at NAHOH is kept and audited regularly. When the Association’s personnel travel to a clinic (either in remote areas or in Kathmandu) hearing assessment and treatment equipment is protected in secure, locked cases and is kept under the personal control of personnel.
2.3 All funds for the Association’s projects in Nepal are either taken to Nepal by Australian hearing professionals or transferred directly to NAHOH. Both organisations funds are fully audited and records of transactions are accessible to the Association’s executive officers who visit Nepal at least four times per year. This strategy provides strict control of funds and enables the prompt detection of anomalies in transactions, should such occur.
3 Himalayan Health & Hearing Inc. abides by the Australian Audiology Professional Code of Conduct and harm minimisation practices in all aspects of its services in Nepal
3.1 The Association believes that the quality of service and ethical standards operating in a developed country should apply equally in developing countries. Hence, for example, the quality of the Association’s equipment and listening devices are the same as would be offered in Australia. Similarly, the highest standards of professional behaviour apply equally in Australia and Nepal. Thus the Association’s personnel, both Australian volunteers and Nepali staff, abide by the Audiological Society of Australia (ASA) Ethical Code of Conduct.
3.2 Of particular relevance is the ethical principle: “Members shall not engage in sexual activities with clients or students over whom they exercise professional authority” (ASA Code of Ethics http://www.audiology.asn.au/ethics.htm#a)
3.3 The Association is well aware that although ethical principles provide a solid foundation for practice, good intentions are not enough to protect children, and accordingly has in place harm minimisation strategies.
4 Harm minimisation: service delivery is organised so that assessment and treatment takes place in the presence of parents/guardians or teachers
4.1 With hearing assessment and treatment, physical contact with a child is limited to the head region. Hearing clinics are organised so that while each child has his/her hearing assessed individually, the assessment and treatment (application of ear drops etc) takes place in a public space, such as a classroom, where other children and adults (parents/guardians and/or teachers) are present. Those children requiring a more extensive hearing test are seen in the presence of more than one professional and with a parent observing. In Kathmandu, children assessed at NAHOH are accompanied by a parent. This strategy minimises the opportunity for child abuse and sex tourism to occur.
5 Declarations from all personnel involved in The Association services that they do not have any criminal record in relation to child abuse, neglect or exploitation.
5.1 All personnel involved in the delivery of services facilitated by the Association, including hearing specialists from Australia, volunteers (Nepali and Australian) and Nepali staff at NAHOH will be obliged to sign a declaration that they do not have any criminal record in relation to child abuse, neglect or exploitation.
5.2 In accordance with the Association’s Volunteer Policy, volunteers of the Association will not be permitted to undertake volunteer work that would place them in contact with children until such time as the volunteer has undergone a satisfactory police check. It is also the policy of the Association that there will be no one-on-one contact between a child and a member or volunteer of the Association.
6 Obligation to report abuse: Immediately report concerns or allegations of child abuse and sex tourism in accordance with appropriate procedures.
6.1 The Association is aware that it has an obligation to report incidents of abuse and suspected sex tourism involving children. It is the Association’s policy that should one of its workers witness an incident of child abuse or suspect child sex tourism is occurring, that person must immediately report the incident to the nearest police.
6.2 A written report must be submitted to the Association’s Management Committee and the police and must include details such as the date of the incident, nature of the incident, location of the incident, contact details for the victim and contact details of the witnessing member/staff/volunteer/professional.
6.3 The Association recognises the right to privacy of the victims and the details of any written report will be kept confidential by the Management Committee in accordance with the requirements of applicable legislation.
7 Protection of the rights of children to access services and principle of client respect
7.1 A final consideration in terms of preventing abuse of children and promoting the well being of children is the principle of equality of access to hearing services and client respect. The Association’s services are open to all children irrespective of gender, caste, ethnicity, disability, and location (as far as resources allow). Children are treated with utmost respect, for example, explanations of procedures (such as ear cleaning, treatment with drops) are explained to them in their own language. Public radio is used to advertise the rural primary ear care clinics ahead of time in Nepali and local languages, providing background information and the nature of the hearing assessment. Parents or guardians and/or teachers accompany children to and from the clinics and are present during assessment.
7.2 The program seeks to provide services in hard to reach, remote areas where few if any services are available, making the service accessible to children and adults in subsistence farming families, in poor rural areas.
7.3 As an overall strategy to promote the best interests of, and minimise harm to children and adults involved in The Association’s services, all of the Association’s practices conform to the following standards of the Professional Standards of Practice for Audiologists (http://www.audiology.asn.au/standards.htm)
1. Keep paramount the welfare of clients/patients served in all practice decisions and actions.
2. Identify the procedures performed by Audiologists.
3. Address the clinical indications for performing any given procedure.
4. Define appropriate environmental factors related to procedures (e g, setting, equipment and materials).
5. Address demographic factors (e g, age, development, education, occupation, cultural, ethnic, linguistic and social factors).
6. Consider risk as it relates to health, safety and welfare of clients/patients and Audiologists.
7. Consider outcomes including improvement and/or maintenance of communication and listening skills.
8. Consider the importance of liaison with related professionals where appropriate and where permitted by the client/patient.
9. Recognise the dignity of individuals and consider client/patient rights, expectations, needs and preferences.
10. Recognise the importance of documentation.
11. Recognise a variety of appropriate service delivery models and procedures (e g collaborative consultation, use of support personnel, and new and advanced technologies).
12. Consider involvement of client/patient in decision making re expected outcomes.
13. Adhere to the specifications and intent of the current Code of Ethics.
Version 3 Date created: 11/08/2014 Review date: 11/08/2015
[/restab]Himalayan Health & Hearing Inc.
Conflict of Interest Policy
Version 1 Date created: 24/05/2013 Review date: 24/05/2014
Download pdf version HERE
1 Introduction
The Management Committee of Himalayan Health & Hearing Inc. is committed to high standards of ethical conduct and accordingly places great importance on making clear any existing or potential conflict of interest.
2 Purpose
The purposes of this policy are:-
(a) to protect the integrity of the activities and the decision-making process of the organisation;
(b) to enable our stakeholders to have confidence in our integrity; and
(c) to protect the integrity and reputation of Himalayan Health & Hearing Inc., its Management Committee and others acting on its behalf.
The policy document has been developed to provide a framework for Himalayan Health & Hearing Inc. and all members of the Management Committee in declaring existing, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, and provides guidance for dealing in an open and transparent way with any conflicts that may arise in the course of any person performing official duties for or on behalf of the organisation.
3 Policy
The policy has been developed on the basis that conflicts of interest are a normal and inevitable product of professional work. Problems arise mostly when conflicts of interest are not dealt with, and are not seen to be dealt with openly and effectively both by the individual and the organisation.
It is the policy of the organisation that its Management Committee, members and others acting on its behalf are obliged to avoid ethical, legal, financial, or other conflicts of interest and to ensure that their personal, professional and business activities and interests do not conflict with their obligations to the organisation.
4 Definitions
‘Conflict of interest’ is considered to exist in situations where:
- An individual’s organisational position provides either personal benefit beyond the declared benefits arising from that position or an opportunity for influence in a decision relating to another person’s benefit; or
- An individual, while occupying more than one position, which positions involve the exercise of power or influence, affects outcomes in one position which are, or may be, of direct and personal benefit to her/him as an occupant of another position.
5 Resolution of conflicts of interest
5.1 Members of the Management Committee shall declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest either at the start of the Management Committee meeting concerned or when a relevant issue arises. The nature of this conflict of interest should be entered into the meeting minutes. The interest should also be documented in the Conflict of Interest Register held by the Secretary (see Schedule1 to this policy).
5.2 Where a conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest is identified and/or registered:-
(a) the member concerned shall leave the room as soon as that item comes up for discussion;
(b) the member shall not vote on that issue;
(c) the member shall not initiate or take part in any Management Committee discussion on that topic (either in the meeting or with other Management Committee members before or after the Management Committee Meetings), unless expressly invited to do so by unanimous agreement by all other Management Committee members present.
5.3 If a person declares themselves to have existing or potential conflict of interest confidentiality will be respected.
6 Standing notice of interests
The Management Committee members may give other Management Committee members standing notice about an interest. Schedule 2 to this policy has been developed to assist the giving of standing notice about an interest. Standing notice of interest will be reported in the minutes of the Management Committee meetings and will be recorded by the Secretary in a register.
7 The Role of the Chair
7.1 The Secretary is responsible for the oversight of the conflict of interest policy and procedures and for ensuring that the Conflict of Interest Policy is kept current. The Secretary may provide advice or counsel to individuals on any situation of potential conflict of interest.
7.2 In the event that the Secretary reports that they have a Conflict of Interest, the President shall assume the Secretary’s role where necessary.
8 Policy review
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Management Committee.
Version 1 Date created: 24/05/2013 Review date: 24/05/2014
SCHEDULE ONE
CONFLICT OF INTEREST REGISTER
This register is to be used by the Chair of the Board of the organisation each meeting to record conflicts of interest identified by Management Committee members. The register should be stored with the minutes of each meeting.
The register should be used in conjunction with the Management Committee’s Conflict of Interest Policy.
This register has been developed to provide consistency in documentation of conflicts of interest relating to Management Committee meetings.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST REGISTER
Date of Meeting: / / 20__
Name of Member:
Issue of Conflict:
Management Committee Response:
Declaration of interests recorded in minutes: Y /N
Dated the day of 20__
Signed Position
Version 1 Date created: 24/05/2013 Review date: 24/05/2014
SCHEDULE TWO
STANDING NOTICE OF INTERESTS
The following standing notice of interests, relationships, and holdings that could potentially result in a conflict of interest between myself and the work of the organisation is prepared in accordance with the the organisation Conflict of Interest Policy.
I understand that this declaration will be reported to a meeting of the Board and that this document will be kept in a secure and confidential register at the organisation office.
I undertake to declare any changes to this standing notice should they occur.
STANDING NOTICE OF INTEREST
I understand that this declaration will be reported to a meeting of the Management Committee and that this document will be kept in a secure and confidential register at the organisation’s office.
I undertake to declare any changes to this standing notice should they occur.
I _____________________________________________,
* am not aware of any interests that may lead to a conflict of interests
* wish to give notice of my interest in the following area(s), and provide here the details of the nature and extent of my interest.
(* Delete whichever option is not applicable)
Signed:
Date:
[/restab]Himalayan Health & Hearing Inc.
VILLAGE CAMP GUIDELINES 2014
Download a copy of the HH&H Village Camp Guidelines here.
GENERAL CRITERIA
1. We must be invited by the village elders and / or District Committee
2. The village must be reasonably accessible
3. The period of the clinic will be agreed depending on need and resources available.
4. There may BE A CHARGE for the provision of hearing devices and batteries. The amount charged, if any, will be decided with consultation between the parties, prior to announcement of the clinic to the public. It is normal to have a sliding scale of fees, dependent on ability to pay. These moneys may be given to NAHOH to cover material costs or used for local environmental protection and conservation issues
5. The cost of getting the team to the village will be the responsibility of the HH&H Team, EXCEPT where reasonable, local porters should be supplied to carry equipment and older members of the team’s personal gear.
6. The person who is to accompany the team from Kathmandu (Usually the go-between from the village to HH&H Inc. Team) shall commit to a prior Hearing care training exercise at either Shechen Monastery or NAHOH or other agreed place. They should also be available for at least one other hearing camp in an unrelated place, for duration of up to ten days.
VILLAGE COMMITMENT
1. The village must contribute to the supply of food and shelter to the HH&H Inc. Team for the duration of the visit, if possible. They must also provide adequate security arrangements for team members and equipment. Poor villages will not be disadvantaged.
2. The village must inform HH&H Inc of the 220V AC power availability, and if not available, the 12V DC Battery power that may be used daily for the project. They must also advise of how the batteries may be recharged.
3. The village must supply a person who will accept responsibility for hearing devices left in the village. They shall
• Arrange repairs through Keshab at NAHOH
• Know how the devices operate and be able to fault find and undertake minor repairs
• Manage the sale of batteries and replenish supplies when run down
4. Village leaders must be able to coordinate sufficient numbers of local persons requiring hearing related services so that the team is reasonably occupied in an orderly manner during their visit
5. We request there be no public ceremonies that may consume valuable clinic time.
6. The village must supply a letter from the local committee advising details of compliance of all of the above items, and include local contact persons and phone numbers.
7. The village must inform the HH&H Inc. Team of the availability of a pharmacy / medicines in the area, so that if not the case, drugs will be brought to the area. There may be a charge for drugs unless other arrangements are made before the camp begins.
8. LOCAL SCHOOLS: The village must also agree with the local school headmaster that ALL children will come to the clinic for examination. This is the MOST IMPORTANT PART of our program, and the village must also provide estimates of the number of children to be checked.
9. The village must agree that there will be no discrimination in the access to our services, giving both sexes and all races, religions, castes and ages the opportunity to benefit.
10. Please read our Policy documents, including that on “Terrorism and child sex industry” on our website.
CLINIC OPERATION
- The clinic hours of operation would be normally from 0830 hrs (8.30 am) to 1200 hrs (noon) and then 1300 (1pm) to 1700hrs(5pm)
- The clinic will require at least two separate rooms, one for primary ear care and the other for hearing testing and aid fitting. The testing room should also be in a very quiet location.
- Unless alternate arrangements are made, a prescription for pharmacy items will be issued by Keshab, and the person receiving treatment shall be responsible for the purchase of the medicines.
Sue Tuck,
President Himalayan Health & Hearing Inc.