Dr. Ildikó Kovács: I Witnessed the Loss of My Friends
The Hungarian doctors are tirelessly working in the most terrible conditions around the world to help those in distress. Among these professionals is Dr. Ildikó Kovács, an internist and family doctor, who never aspired to work in war zones or disaster-stricken areas, yet has participated in numerous missions where she saved lives. Volunteer doctors usually perform their work completely free of charge and often serve as the only hope for those suffering.
According to Dr. Ildikó Kovács, Africa attracted her at the beginning of her medical career, but over time she realized that she found her place in Asia. She has visited many disadvantaged regions, including North Africa, the Middle East, India, Nepal, and Indonesia. Her interest in open, grateful people and different cultures led her toward missionary work. After establishing her practice and as her children grew up, she decided she wanted to help those in need, so she approached the Baptist Charity Service to participate in humanitarian missions.
The Challenges of Volunteer Medical Work
Volunteer medical work is not only heroic but also an extremely challenging task. According to Dr. Kovács’s experiences, the reality often differs from romantic notions. In her first experiences, she faced the fact that in disaster-stricken areas, the number of patients almost skyrockets while the necessary tools and basic conditions—such as water or electricity—are lacking. The tasks include not only treating patients but also logistical challenges, such as organizing water and food supplies.
The first days after a disaster are the most critical. This is when the need is greatest, and reaching the site poses serious challenges. Roads are often impassable, and in most cases, helicopters are the only means to reach the location. Due to limited transportation capacity, transporting the necessary equipment and medications is cumbersome, so doctors must creatively solve emerging problems. Dr. Kovács emphasizes that the focus should be on providing care to survivors on-site and letting go of grief and losses; otherwise, the stress and burden can become unbearable.
Post-Disaster Rehabilitation Work
Post-disaster rehabilitation work plays an extremely important role in rebuilding communities. According to Dr. Ildikó Kovács’s experiences, after disasters, not only is medical care needed for the injured, but also psychological support and community strengthening. Hungarian doctors working as volunteers often perform their tasks in the greatest discomfort, with limited resources and under difficult conditions. In addition to helping survivors, they must also engage in the rehabilitation of the local population as much as their capabilities allow.
Doctors must address not only physical health but also mental health. In the post-disaster situation, many suffer from trauma, making psychological support essential. Dr. Kovács highlights that processing direct experiences is also important when they return home, as home professionals and colleagues can help cope with difficult-to-process experiences.
The Impact of Tragedies and Personal Experiences
Experiences gained during disasters have a profound impact not only on professional life but also on personal life. Dr. Ildikó Kovács shared that her most shocking experience was witnessing the deaths of fellow doctors in a tragic helicopter accident. This horrific experience highlighted that humanitarian work is not only about saving others’ lives but also involves risking our own lives.
After the accident, Dr. Kovács returned to the site to process what had happened and participate in rehabilitation. During examinations conducted among the civilian population, she was often forced to approach isolated groups on foot, thereby rediscovering the strength of community and the importance of helping others. During volunteer work, Hungarian doctors place a strong emphasis not only on healing but also on rebuilding communities, as true assistance involves healing both physical injuries and emotional wounds.
