Hyacinth Tucker-Harris, dental hygienist, brings a bright smile to the face of a patient during the Organisation of International Development's visit to the 3D project at Monk Street in St.Catherine last Monday. - Joseph Cunningham Photo
A GROUP of New York City-based doctors, all Jamaican-born, has been returning each year to volunteer their medical skills.
The Organisation for International Development (OID), although volunteering worldwide, has visited Jamaica annually, without fail, for the last 29 years. The group comprises dentists, physical therapists, an ophthalmologist, a podiatrist and other medical practitioners.
Physical therapist, Molly Blisset, explained that: "There are very few paediatric physiotherapists in Jamaica,therefore the skill is not transferred to the communities ...
In Jamaica, children affected with brain damage and genetic retardation suffer from inaccessible physiotherapy, therefore we fill this gap for a few days annually."
"In rural Jamaica there is high demand for paediatric physiotherapy, with residents complaining of having to travel sometimes long distances with their disabled children to Kingston where the only two hospitals offering such a service can be found," according to Mrs. Blisset.
EXPRESSED GREAT PRIDE
However, she expressed great pride in being able to 'give back' to Jamaica. The team of medical professionals will host clinics in the parishes of Portland, St. Elizabeth, St. Catherine, Manchester and Hanover during the one-week stay.
OID president and husband of Molly, Kitson Blisset, said the organisation's chief goal was to gain approval before year-end by the United Nations Volunteers organisation. To fulfil the entry requirements, added Mr. Blisset, the organisation will have to elect a board of directors and conduct internal and external auditing of its accounts.
And, regarding OID operations, he said the emphasis was being shifted towards health education.
He believes that mental and physical retardation and other disabilities that Jamaicans suffer from, are a result of reckless but avoidable behaviour, such as a mother drinking alcohol while pregnant.
J.C.
