Rotary Village Doctor programme helps more than 157 residents on Union Island

THE ROTARY FAMILY in St Vincent which comprises four clubs, provided medical services to more than 157 persons on Union Island last Sunday, July 14, 2024 in the wake of a heightened need following the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl.

In a release, Rotary said this was part of its relief efforts to assist persons affected by the impact of the Category 4 hurricane that swept over this country on July 1, 2024.

MEDICAL STUDENTS from the Trinity Medical Sciences University accompanied by Dr. Julia Akcayli (Centre), Director of Global Pathways and Assistant Professor of Behaviorual Science at Trinity Medical Sciences University

The Rotary Clubs with the help of the Trinity Medical Sciences University chartered one of the Bequia Express Ferries and used the boat as a floating clinic to attend to patients.

The team comprised 11 medical students from the Trinity Medical Sciences University and three faculty members, along with 12 doctors from varying specializations, including ENT, Odontology, Ophthalmology, Psychology, Paediatrics, and Surgeons. The release indicated that the team was grateful for the opportunity to provide psychological, first aid ,and counselling services to those in need as they recognize that mental health is a critical part of health and overall well-being. The team also visited shelters and homes on the island, offering medical attention on the spot, and those who needed urgent care were transported to the ferry to receive medical attention. Rotary said during a visit within the community, the team encountered a patient who had been in a very critical condition who was immediately transported to the ferry to be stabilized. He was later transported to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital by helicopter, accompanied by the island doctor, Dr. Richards.

With the collaboration of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Pharmaceutical Association, a mini pharmacy was set up aboard the Bequia Express, from which persons received available medication free of cost.

In addition to medical attention, the release said that along with the support of varying donors, the Village Doctor team also offered cases of water and other beverages, brooms, mops, towels, nails and screws towards the clean up and recovery.

Accompanying the team on this initiative was the recently installed Rotary District 7030 Governor, Debbie Roopchand, who travelled from Trinidad to accompany the team to the Rotary Village Doctor initiative on Union Island. She was able to assess the damage that would help with the mobilization efforts of the Rotary clubs within the District.

A visit was also made to Mayreau on the same day, accompanied by Immediate Past District 7030 Governor, Brian Glasgow.

The Rotary release said that KGroup and its subsidiaries, with a team of 30 persons (from K-Electric, Caribbean Cannabis Company Ltd (CCC Ltd), Plantain Hotel and KFC), also collaborated with the Rotary Family in a significant manner. K-Electric provided two 20-tonne dump trucks, a backhoe, a large loader and an excavator and the requisite supervisors, mechanics and labourers to ensure that the work on the ground was as efficient and effective as possible. The team spent the day cleaning up the area near the Hugh Mulzac Square – an effort described as simply remarkable.