Ms Rumy Gomes, Nurse's AIDE Serving from 14/1/64 - 30/10/95

I joined ICDDR,B (CRL) as a nurse on 14th January 1964.  After completion of my probationary period successfully, I was appointed as a regular employee on 9th April 1964 and my employee identification number was 309.

During that time Miss Torrance, an English lady, was our Matron or Hospital-In-Charge.  She was a very energetic, spontaneous and hard working person.  Personally I learned many things from her.  As a newcomer and new employee, she took care of me all the time.  I remember and mention her great name with much respect.

Every year our loving Matron Miss Torrance organized a Christmas party for the entire Hospital staff and all of us celebrated the Christmas with our family members along with all staff members of CRL.

In 1965, there was a research on XYLOS study.  During that time most of the research was conducted over to the hospital staff.  In most of the cases we were engaged with the research team for many purposes.  In one case I was selected as sample.  The XYLOS study was done over me and I was affected kidney allergy. After 3-4 years treatment by hospital authority I was cured but for this disease I had to suffer lots and went through a pain-full situation.

In 1971 - the year of liberation - most of the people left Dacca city.  The whole nation was affected by war and we took part in this liberation war silently.  During that time Dr Mujibur Rahaman, Deputy Director, earnestly requested us to stay in Dacca and serve in the Hospital, otherwise our hospital may be closed for forever.  We numbered 11-12 brave and devoted nurses who took risks and served our nation and affected people through attending duties regularly.  We took risks many times on the way coming to the hospital and going back to home.  Several times the Pakistani Army interrogated us.   But mighty God saved us from the calamity.

Most of the time, I had to do my duties in ICU ward but sometimes in General Ward.  In 1993, while I was on duty and serving patients at ICU, suddenly in an absent moment a needle pricked in my hand.  Through this I was infected and attacked by Hepatitis B virus.  It was discovered when jaundice affected me.  After recovering from jaundice, Dr Azad Khan advised me not to do night duties but hospital authorities did not give me the permission to change shifts.  In 1994 again I was affected by hepatitis disease.  After that, due to my sickness and bad health condition, I took the golden handshake in 1995 for early retirement.

At present, I am living with my husband and sons and daughter and passing a peaceful retired life as a housewife.  God blessed us with four granddaughters and one grandson.  Right now, my health condition is not so good and I am suffering from high blood pressure.  At the beginning of this year (2004) I was attacked by a mild brain stroke and admitted to a hospital for a long treatment.

Finally, I was grateful to my Hospital-ICDDR,B for this wonderful job and opportunities given to serve distressed people of my country.  I love my ICDDR,B very much, like my son and daughter, because I have passed my golden time of life in service of the great hospital.  I wish every staff and colleagues good health and peaceful life.  Long live ICDDR,B and long live it's service to our nation.