The Editor, Sir:

We must congratulate the Scotiabank Foundation for coming to the assistance of scoliosis patients in Jamaica. This is indeed a very timely and much-appreciated gesture.

A large percentage of patients diagnosed with the illness are persons with no health insurance and persons lacking financial resources. And, even if there is insurance, based on the extremely high cost of the surgery and treatment, the 20 per cent contribution is prohibitive for the family of most of these patients. I think I can speak with some authority on the costs involved as I am currently preparing a family member for surgery in early summer.

Children impacted

What makes the Scotiabank Foundation's gesture even more meaningful is the fact that it's the lives of our children - our future - that will be positively impacted.

While there are many private sector organisations that have been contributing quietly, I think that more could be done to assist those who cannot afford the cost for the corrective measures required. From time to time, we have overseas doctors coming to Jamaica to perform a wide range of essential surgeries free of cost.

Is this something that our medical personnel could look at or is it impossible to totally discount the fees?

Allow for more benefits

Could something be worked out for these very poor persons who clearly have no means to alleviate the long suffering and trauma as in the case of the person I made reference to? This would surely allow more children to benefit from the pool of funds set aside by the Scotiabank Foundation.

Thanks again, Scotiabank Foundation, for making a difference in the lives of our Jamaican children.

I am, etc.,

PAT BIGNALL

wilbig@cwjamaica.com