The regions affected by March’s earthquake disaster lost the foundations of their day-to-day lives, including coastal fishing grounds, schools and hospitals. Many of the younger generation have had no choice but to leave. The voices heard from the elderly, who stayed and still live on higher ground or in remote areas, are that even if they wanted to visit a temporary clinic, they have no way of going because they do not drive. After evaluating local healthcare needs, GE Foundation donated doctor cars that have been nicknamed Mencoy, or “adorable” in the local dialect. Mencoy have begun serving the stricken areas, bringing with them the security of knowing that healthcare is close by.
