US–Canada medical team aids St Ann residents

A team of volunteer doctors and nurses from the United States and Canada recently delivered much-needed medical care to residents of St Ann still reeling from Hurricane Melissa. Mission is Possible, a disaster-relief charity, deployed 10 medical professionals – eight doctors and two nurses – for a week-long mission from December 2 to 8.

Dr Ashley Tabi, who leads the team, said they were moved to act after seeing images of the devastation online. “We actually partnered locally with Dr Daren Johnson, senior advisor/consultant in the office of the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health & Wellness. He has been instrumental in coordinating the clinics, arranging for the National Health Fund mobile pharmacy, and handling all the logistics on the ground in Jamaica,” Dr Tabi said.

The team operated walk-in mini-clinics at five health centres – Orange Hill, Watt Town, Queenhythe, Alexandria and Discovery Ba y – treating patients whose chronic conditions worsened during the storm, those who lost their medications, and others now facing new health problems.

“We are seeing patients that have chronic conditions, their medications may have washed away, and patients who have new medical developments. Also, some people have new respiratory issues that are now exacerbated. Some even have asthma flare-ups, and different skin conditions from contaminated water,” Dr Tabi explained.

State Minister of Health Krystal Lee expressed her gratitude to Dr Tabi and Mission is Possible, as well as to the National Health Fund for providing onsite medications, the Northeast Regional Health Authority for facilitating access to health centres, and RIU Hotels for accommodating the team. “This mission exemplifies the power of partnership and compassion in times of crisis, and we thank all involved for their service to the Jamaican people,” she said.

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Beyond medical care, Dr Tabi said the group will partner with World Central Kitchen this weekend to provide meals for residents still struggling with basic needs in the storm’s aftermath.

For 72-year-old Jaset Cameron of Orange Hill, the mission has been a blessing. “I thank God for bringing the doctors and nurses to Jamaica,” she said, calling for blessings and protection upon their lives and families.