Success Stories: Disease is a part of human life and it is equally visible all over the world. But the health facilities available to deal with these diseases are not the same in every country. This inequality puts many people in challenges that are very difficult for them to overcome. Robin Baker is one such person who deeply understood this inequality and resolved to change it. Robin is an Occupational Therapist and a social entrepreneur by profession. While studying in America, he experienced traveling abroad and from there his life’s purpose changed.
First Foreign Trip and New Perspective
While pursuing a master’s degree at Harvard University, Robin had the opportunity to do a clinical rotation in Costa Rica. This was her first trip abroad, and the experience completely transformed her outlook on life. She realized that while illness is universal, access to quality healthcare is not equal for everyone. The Costa Rica trip allowed her to understand how deep and widespread this disparity in healthcare is.
The Reality of Africa’s Healthcare System
Robin Baker was also affected by the situation in African countries. According to a report by World Health Organization, Ghana has 1.8 doctors per 10,000 individuals. In Liberia, the number is even lower at 0.373, this is only equivalent to 0.373 doctors to every 10,000 people. The UK on the other hand has 28 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants as compared to the US which has about 26 doctors. Such statistics indicate the huge inequality in healthcare between the developed and developing nations. Being a Liberian-American also increased the desire of Robin to work back to Africa.
The Founding of GoTherapy
This enthusiasm gave rise to establishing the nonprofit organization GoTherapy that was established in 2016. The organization focuses on offering quality care to the stroke patients as well as other severe patients. These services are occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. GoTherapy did not have an investment of any size; it was merely founded using Robin’s own salary. She perceived it as an individual dream, and she was working toward it using her salary.
GoTherapy’s Achievements
Since its foundation, GoTherapy has performed a great work in Ghana. The organization established a community occupational therapy center, which was the first in partnership with the Shai Osudoku District. This facility offers care and services to adults who have a long-term illness. There is also education and therapy of children with the special needs. SCRIP is the Stroke Community Re-Integration Program, which is the brand name of GoTherapy. It offers stroke survivors in Dodowa, Ghana with community-based therapy, disease prevention education and health monitoring.
Struggle and Introspection
Although GoTherapy has achieved many accomplishments, Robin Baker admits that if she had the opportunity to go back in time, she probably wouldn’t have started it as an NGO. She said she initially thought the only way to do something good for the community was to start an NGO. But over time, she learned that there were many other ways to solve problems. This experience provided her with an opportunity for introspection, and she realized that NGOs aren’t the only way to bring about social change; social entrepreneurship and technological innovation can also be crucial.
Changing Perspectives After COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught the world how significant a crisis lacking equal access to healthcare can be. Following this pandemic, the young generation faces the challenge of creating a future that is more just, healthy, and economically stable. Robin Baker’s journey exemplifies how personal experience and determination can inspire a person to bring about profound change in society.
Conclusion
Robin Baker’s story teaches us that despite limited resources, a strong will can bring about change in any society. GoTherapy has instilled new hope in the lives of people in Africa and provided better healthcare to thousands. But more importantly, this organization sends the message that access to healthcare should not be a privilege, but a right for every human being. Robin Baker’s struggle and her vision will continue to inspire many more in the future.
