With a medical system that sometimes offers limited services, parents of children between the ages of 0-21 can breathe a bit easier because of the existence of the Dove Club.
The club was officially launched on Wednesday 30th April and according to its president Shareena Jno Baptiste, it aims to provide expert medical attention to children whose parents are not able to afford it.
“There is hope for the youth in need of pediatric care,” she said. “Its membership consists of children who have received medical relief from expert surgeons attached to the World Pediatric project. It also consists of parents and family members who want to show their gratitude by proposing in their hearts to give their time and support as they share their experiences with those to receive medical attention.”
The club which falls under the umbrella of the World Pediatric Project was birthed on the island on April 9th, 2012 but was dormant until 2013. The group is 50 members strong.
Minister for Health, Julius Timothy, added that the club provides support to critically ill children and their caregivers, who achieve hope and healing through the humanitarian efforts of the World Pediatric Project.
“The Ministry of Health intiated links with the project in 2008 and formalized the relationship with the signing of an MOU in 2011…. over the years our relationships has continued to be strengthened as we witness the miracle of seeing our once critically ill children become able to live normal and fulfilling lives,” he said.
Timothy added that under the program and through the club, professionals provide specialized care to children at no cost.
“From 2008-2013 so far four children received surgical care at hospitals in the US at a cost of EC$1.78-million or US$660,000… provisions are made not only for the sick child but also for the accompanying parent or caregiver,” he explained.
The critical health needs of six sick children are being addressed in St Vincent where they will receive specialized care by specialist flown in from the United States, according to Timothy.
“Over the period 2008-2013, 183 children and youth received medical care in St Vincent or here in Dominica. 34 procedures to include surgeries at a cost of EC$7-million were performed during the course of this week, an evaluation clinic was conducted. These assessment visits are conducted yearly,” he stated.
Timothy pointed out further that it is a privilege to have the services of a cardiologist with the program. 61 children have been evaluated during a clinic before being identified for specialist surgery in the US. Children have been benefiting from services to include heart surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, othamology, general surgery, plastic surgery, physical therapy amongst others.
“Although Dominica has benefited over $8-million, our patients only account for 2 percent of the patients seen by the program within the OECS, Guyana and Suriname,” he stated. “It is important to note that through these interventions, this 183 children will be able to contribute positively in their own way to the future of national development in Dominica.”
Those who wants to receive assistance through the Dove Club should contact the Ministry of Health.
This is a very good program and I wonder why no one has bothered to add their two cents. If it was politically motivated you would see all those naysayers blogging about it but since Skeritt is not the main topic everyone is shutting their trap.
I do hope more parents join that program because you never know if and when it will become beneficial to you.
There u go starting yur politics. Mayb there are people who did not get to read the article yet, so stop judging. And don’t bother to attack me with words cause u will be wasting your time.
Keep up the good work
This is wonderful. “Just what the doctor ordered”
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thanks for the 3rd world health care…no way on earth we can receive expert health care for free.. very good initiative though