For the past four days a number of Belizeans have been receiving free
medical care – from a team of visiting Taiwanese medical professionals
from Taiwan. Clinics were held at the Corozal Hospital and in Belize City where
Jacqueline Godwin caught up with the group of visiting specialists hard at work.
Jacqueline Godwin found them at the Samuel Haynes Institute today.
Jacqueline Godwin Reporting,
It was not three year old Hasin Geban’s first tooth extraction but his
fifth that needed to be pulled but like in so many other cases his mother simply
could not afford to take her son to the dentist.
Jacqueline Godwin,
“Why did they need to pull the tooth?”
Mishanne Reneau, Mother
“Because it had a hole and when she was home sometimes it pained her
too and so like how her teacher said it is free I said for me to bring her.”
The dentist who took care of Mishanne Reneau’s son is one of eleven Medical
Peace Corps from Taiwan who voluntarily made the four day trip to Belize to
provide medical services free of cost.
Dorian Alvarez, Assistant - Free Health Care
“Well in Belize there is a health crisis in the community. Obesity,
people have eye problems and if your society is not healthy then no production
will take place so we just try to keep our people healthy as possible. Some
specialists, we have 14 specialists.”
The mission includes four dentists, two ophthalmologists, one obstetrician
and gynaecologist and four nurses.
Eric Chang, First Secretary - Embassy Rep – China
“Actually each member of the medical mission they have to pay for
themselves including food and lodging, they have to pay for themselves and the
Embassy is helping to organize their service here in Belize.”
The medical specialists not only treated children but adults who took advantage
of the health care that was conducted inside the Samuel Haynes Institute. According
to Eric Chang the first secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of China on
Yaiwan the group known as the Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps or TRMPC makes
similar trips several times a year to various countries. It was the mission’s
first visit to Belize.
Eric Chang,
“The idea is that healthcare should transcend the national border
so they are trying to provide healthcare to people who need the healthcare and
cannot afford it.”
And thanks to the dentists three year old Hasin Geban will be able to enjoy
an occasional treat of candy without feeling any discomfort.
Mishanne Reneau,
“I am glad. So I appreciate that too.”
Over two hundred people received the free primary health care. Reporting for
7News, Jacqueline Godwin.
Today was final the day of work in Belize for the Taiwan Root Medical
Peace Corps. The group departs on Friday.
Email
Print