Since 1950, SIM’s Galmi Hospital has stood as an oasis in the desert. With 180 beds, this hospital offers compassionate care to people from all walks of life. It also serves as a training centre for surgical residents from several African countries. The outpatient clinics serve up to 300 men, women, and children daily. 

The workers serving in Galmi are motivated to use their expertise and knowledge in healthcare as a bridge to share the love of Jesus. Each day, patients have the opportunity to hear the Gospel message.  

Located in Niger, one of the world’s poorest countries, the difficult reality is that many patients at Galmi cannot afford healthcare. Galmi is the only hospital in the country that provides emergency, life-saving care without requiring payment upfront. SIMaid’s Galmi Benevolent Fund aims to tangibly demonstrate God’s compassionate heart by either reducing or covering the medical fees for patients who are unable to afford them. The hospital has a case manager who assesses needy families on a case-by-case basis and allocates financial assistance.  

Every year, the hospital subsidises chemotherapy treatment for certain types of treatable cancers through the Benevolent Fund. One example is choriocarcinoma, a cancer of the placenta that affects many young women in this region. Without timely treatment, these cancers can be fatal, leaving behind many motherless children. Unfortunately, the cost of chemotherapy for this cancer is approximately equivalent to a year's wages, making it unattainable for most people in Niger.  

Recently the hospital saw a young woman, Zara*, in the gynaecology clinic. She returned to show staff how her baby was growing after giving birth. Two years beforehand, the team were seeing Zara week in and week out for treatment of this cancer. After many rounds of chemotherapy, she eventually became cancer-free. She then patiently waited a full year to make sure that the cancer didn't come back before becoming pregnant. Zara’s lifesaving chemotherapy and care was unaffordable to her family, but thankfully, she received support from the Benevolent Fund.  

David, who serves with SIM at Galmi in administration, said, “Galmi Hospital views our investment in chemotherapy as strategic – not only can it be lifesaving, but patients have ongoing contact with our hospital over many months. This enables many opportunities to see God's love in action and hear and respond to the Good News of Jesus.”  

Did you know?  

• In the last year, Galmi’s Benevolent Fund has financially supported 924 patients at Galmi, a total cost of AU $133,000 in medical care.  

• The Fund assists those who are most disadvantaged, including cancer patients, typhoid patients and orphans.  

• Currently, the Benevolent Fund only has approximately 15% of its ongoing monthly budget met by monthly pledge supporters.  

 GIVE: Galmi has the heart to extend compassion to more people in Niger who cannot afford lifesaving healthcare. Do you want to financially partner with this project? You can give a tax-deductible gift here.   

GO: Everyone has a part to play in God's global mission! Do you want to serve with your unique skills and gifts at Galmi Hospital? Get in touch with a Mission Mobiliser today to find out more about their urgent ministry opportunities here.