Work of medical missions lauded

Claudia Gardner, Assignment Coordinator

WESTERN BUREAU:Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister Luther Buchanan has lauded the numerous medical missions that have provided health care to Jamaicans over the years, which, he said, has saved the Government of Jamaica millions of dollars.

Buchanan made his comments during the opening ceremony of Caribbean Health Outreach's Hanover Health Fair at the Tryall Club in Sandy Bay, Hanover, on Sunday.

"We understand that as a Government, we cannot do it alone. We simply cannot provide the level of services required to achieve the type of development that our people deserve without the support of groups such as yours," Buchanan told members of Caribbean Health Outreach.

"Jamaica is particularly constrained by a total of 24 secondary-care institutions and over 300 primary health-care centres that cater to thousands of Jamaicans on a daily basis. The well-documented global shortage of health-care professionals has impacted us as a developing country, and with the enormous needs in the health sector, we strive to deliver the highest quality of care in the face of constraints," the minister added.

OVER 200 GROUPS

Buchanan said more than 200 medical missions to Jamaica were facilitated in 2013, during which general health checks, ophthalmology, dentistry, and other services were provided.

"In 2012 alone, we hosted 172 medical missions, saving the Government approximately US$393,000, specifically as it relates to their contribution of pharmaceutical supplies and equipment to the public-health sector. This is not even counting the millions we get in donations of ambulances and other materials to the health sector each year," he said.

"The more than 15,000 lives that you have touched in your 12-year journey is a symbol of commitment and true dedication to health care," he told Caribbean Health Outreach volunteers.

The Hanover Health fair is staged annually by Caribbean Health Outreach in collaboration with the Hopewell Chapter of Jaycees International, the Kiwanis Club of Hopewell, The Tryall Club, and Hanover

Charities.

Caribbean Health Outreach is a non-profit volunteer organisation comprising professionals and para-professionals in the fields of health and education.

It was founded by current president, registered nurse Hope Miller-Bodden. Based in Los Angeles, California, the focus of the organisation is to promote health awareness through education and preventative health. Members of the mission have been coming to Jamaica for the past 12 years.