hundreds benefit from free services

Story and photos by Michael Khan

THE Guyana Medical Mission (GMM) commenced its 16th annual one-week medical outreach in New Amsterdam, Berbice, and simultaneously at the Fyrish Health Centre on the Corentyne on Sunday.

GMM collaborated with the Ministry of Health, and its 43-member team which was headed by overseas-based Berbician, Dr. James T. Cort examined over 250 Berbicians at the two locations.

The Guyana Chronicle visited the Berbice High School (BHS) auditorium, and interacted with some elders and the medical personnel who were present for the formal registration and consultation, free of cost.

Dr. Cort told this publication that the GMM began its annual mission in 2005, but paused in 2006 and recommenced in 2007. The initiative was again halted in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

Now that it has resumed, he is hoping that there will be continuous yearly visits, which would allow patients to have their annual medical checkup and the team of doctors to monitor them.

Dr. Cort emphasised that people believe they’re sick only when they’re in pain.

He said this is very worrying, because a lot of persons are unknowingly walking around with ailments.

“I would like to see people focusing more on their well-being by having an annual physical [checkup], which will reveal what complications they have developed within their bodies,” he said.

The GMM offers free eye testing, distribution of eyeglasses, and eye drops, as well as pediatric care. However, the main areas of focus are: Hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol.

“Chronic ailments are our main focus, because we believe that our eating habits and lifestyle play a role in the onset of ill health. We would like to see improvement when our patients return to our clinic next year,” he added.

The GMM team believes that the public response has been overwhelming over the years, and this is what has motivated them to return annually to offer voluntary services.

NO REGRETS

Meanwhile, the Guyana Chronicle spoke with a few elderly patients who were elated about the presence of the overseas medical doctors.

“This is the second time I’m coming here, and I feel happy that my ailing aunt and I are able to have our eyes, blood glucose, and pressure tested in one day at no cost,” said Rosaline Brusch.

Another senior citizen, Glendon Rose said: “I heard about this outreach, and I decided to come. I must say that I don’t regret being here; I’m enjoying the process, and I would encourage others to come and have themselves checked.”

The registration and consultation process was smooth, and there was adequate seating accommodation for those attending the clinic.

“Events like these assist in boosting our healthcare, and we are thankful that our local Ministry of Health has allowed the GMM to come onboard with this annual venture,” another resident, Marcia Williams said.

President of the Berbice Pensioners’ Association Burchell Archer stated that senior citizens and young people alike should welcome the initiative by the GMM.

“Health services are improving with the graduating of new doctors and the establishment of new health facilities, but this annual clinic allows our citizens to have a second opinion from doctors who were trained at the University of the West Indies, and in the United States. It strengthens the abilities of our local doctors in understanding and treating whatever medical conditions we have,” he added.

The team’s visit to the St. Francis Community Developers Centre in Rose Hall, and the Lan-Liv-Man Health Centre in Lancaster Village concluded their work in Region Six East Berbice-Corentyne). In Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), they addressed various health complaints at the Belladrum Seventh Day Adventist Church, and the Mahaicony Health Centre. They were also at the Mahaica, Buxton and Beterverwagting Health Centres, which are all located in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

The GMM’s week of activities concludes today at the Sophia and East La Penitence Health Centres in Georgetown.