Friend Ships Director says medical outreach is purely out of love
-Health Minister cites critical health needs!
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com
~~Adz:Right~~ CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Friend Ships Port Mercy, Don Tipton said that their current mission to Nevis was purely driven by love for Nevisians.
Following the incident in which Nevis’ Premier said was a breakdown of protocol tantamount to disrespect of the Nevis Island Administration [NIA], Tipton said he was optimistic that Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) leaders would address any unresolved issues peacefully.
This incident however did not adversely impinge on the mission of the medical volunteers who, according to local TBN General Manager Andre Gilbert, attended to 500 patients yesterday. But it was apparent that they needed to be reassured everything was in order, as required by the island’s protocols and procedures, after the opening ceremony.
The medical volunteers had remained focused on the patients’ health needs and many of them were counselled, prayed for and some also attended health care seminars. An evangelical service was also held in the evening.
Earlier, during the opening ceremony, Health Minister Hensley Daniel said that prior to the medical outreach the Ministry of Health had joint meetings with TBN. Daniel pointed out that he had assured TBN’s officials that the Ministry of Health would give full support to the medical outreach.
Minister Daniel said the critical health needs call for partnerships and noted that there are 500 diabetics on Nevis. He also stated that 500 persons had hypertension-related illnesses and 800 persons had enlisted to be taken care of through the island’s eye care programme.
The Health Minister also said 14 persons living with HIV/AIDS were receiving Anti-Retroviral Drugs and the care and treatment of persons living with the disease cost EC45 000 per month. He further said that overseas treatment also placed a heavy burden on the health budget.
Daniel said other risk factors that lead to illnesses include alcohol abuse and lack of exercises; conditions which he noted are influenced by social factors.
The Minister of Health said the NIA is in the process of discussing an envisaged National Health Insurance Plan.
He thanked TBN and Friend Ships for their contribution towards the health of Nevisians and noted that “health is the first of our liberties. Health is the most important element in human happiness”.
