Over 100 show appreciation to World Pediatric Project

More than 100 patients, parents, medical personnel along with well wishers gathered at the Victoria Park last Saturday, July 16, to recognize and commemorate a major milestone in the work of the World Pediatric Project.{{more}}

The patients, most of them young children who have accessed medical treatment here at home or in Richmond, Virginia, USA, showed their gratitude to the non profit organization that provides diagnostic and surgical care to children in Central America and the Caribbean.

Local medical officials affiliated to the Project heaped praise on its work, which they said has come a long way, and has made a major difference in the health and well being of children, not only in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but also those in the East Caribbean.

Speakers at the ceremony included Jacqueline King, the Eastern Caribbean representative; Dr. Bharati Datta, head of pediatrics at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, and Minister of Health Cecil Mckie.

Also showing appreciation for the work of the Project was president of the Rotary Club of St. Vincent South Keith Howard.

All present agreed that the children, who mainly received medical attention in heart, eyes and orthopedic areas, were in a far better position than before and that they were looking forward to more assistance from the project, which is in its tenth year.

Susan Rickman, president of the Project, indicated that her organization was committed to helping the children of the region, and promised that they will be around for years to come.

Plans are under way for the building of a children’s surgical centre to be constructed here, which will cater to the needs of children in the Eastern Caribbean.

A team of surgeons is expected to visit here in November this year to conduct medical treatment in scoliosis (twisted spines).(JJ)