By Dr. Lachlan Campbell
Earlier this year in May, I had the privilege of traveling to Afghanistan to work with the dedicated team at Nowzad Animal Hospital. During my visit, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by the clinic, including their reliance on outdated paper records. To address these challenges, Nowzad required a modern, digital solution to streamline operations and enhance patient care.
Nowzad is a remarkable charity that has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of animals in Afghanistan since 2007. Their services include providing free vaccinations and spays/neuters, medical care for injured animals, a haven for displaced animals, a working animal program, and rabies prevention. Despite the challenges posed by a war-torn nation, Nowzad has remained steadfast in its mission to provide essential veterinary care to the local community.
Traveling to Afghanistan is a significant undertaking, fraught with security risks due to the ongoing conflict and instability in the region. Despite these challenges, I was driven by the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of animals and the dedicated team at Nowzad.
Recognizing the transformative potential of technology, I reached out to Covetrus, a global leader in animal health solutions. I proposed that they donate their advanced practice management system, Ascend, to Nowzad. I was thrilled when Covetrus generously agreed to support this initiative, donating not only Ascend but also four essential laptops to facilitate its implementation.
I recently returned to Afghanistan earlier in November to oversee the installation and training of the Nowzad team on Ascend. I was impressed by how intuitive the system is, even for the Afghan veterinarians who have limited English proficiency. Ascend has significantly improved the clinic's operations, enabling international monitoring and support from Australia and the UK. The veterinary team is grateful for the generous donation as it allows them to transition from cumbersome paper records to a digital solution that is easy to use and maintain. With Ascend, Nowzad can now:
- Maintain comprehensive medical records: Every patient's history is meticulously documented, ensuring continuity of care and informed treatment decisions.
- Streamline workflows: Automated processes and digital record-keeping save time and reduce errors.
- Enhance inventory management: Real-time tracking of supplies ensures optimal stock levels and minimizes waste.
- Facilitate remote collaboration: International veterinarians can access patient information and provide remote support, expanding the reach of expertise.
- Generate valuable data: Comprehensive data on patient numbers, treatments, and outcomes can be used to inform future initiatives and secure funding.
By empowering Nowzad with cutting-edge technology, including the generous donation of four laptops from Covetrus, we are not only improving the lives of animals but also strengthening the capacity of Afghan veterinarians to provide world-class care. By supporting Nowzad and empowering Afghan veterinarians, we are contributing to the development of a more compassionate and sustainable future for Afghanistan.
I am deeply grateful to Covetrus for their generous donation and to the entire Nowzad team for their tireless dedication. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of animals and the communities they serve.
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