Prime Minister Thanks US Medical Mission and Says Visit Is Timely

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller has thanked a team of 57 doctors and other medical professionals from the United States, who are in the country carrying out free medical care to persons in Hanover and St. James from Monday, November 9 to Friday, November 13. The team from the North East Florida Medical Society is led by Dr. Kenneth Jones of Jacksonville, Florida. The team is providing primary, gynaecological, pain management, dental and pharmacy care as well as donating thousands of dollars’ worth of medical, surgical and pharmacy supplies to patients and institutions in the two parishes to assist in the delivery of healthcare services in the western region.

The Prime Minister spoke with members of the team at a reception hosted by the Palladium and Lady Hamilton Resort in Hanover at the weekend. The Most Hon. Errald Miller is project patron for the medical mission, which is making its second visit in two years, but this year is widening its coverage to include St. James.

“Your contribution is especially valuable at this time,” Prime Minister Simpson Miller told the visiting medical professionals, noting that the visit comes at a time when there is much public discussion in Jamaica about the needs of the country’s healthcare system.

“I am particularly heartened by the wide range of services that will be offered and on behalf of a grateful nation, I say thank you,” the Prime Minister said.

She pointed out that the medical team will be offering surgical, dental and other services and providing medication at Cornwall Regional and Falmouth Hospitals, as well as in health centres in Hanover and St James. In addition to general services at the clinics, major surgeries are being offered to persons using facilities at the Noel Holmes Hospital, Cornwall Regional and Falmouth Hospitals.

The reception on Saturday night (November 7) was also attended by several senior medical officers of health, hospital administrators and the chairman of the Western Region Health Authority, Mr. Calvin. G. Brown.

The event also marked the launch of Grand Palladium Jamaica’s endorsement of the ECPAT Code of Conduct and Global Initiative to protect children from sexual exploitation in the travel and tourism sector.

Prime Minister Simpson Miller commended Grand Palladium and lady Hamilton Resort on what she described as its bold move in endorsing and being a partner of the ECPAT Global Initiative to keep children safe.

“As one of the leading tourist destinations in the world, Jamaica takes the issue of child protection very seriously. That is why I am pleased to see resorts such as the Grand Palladium working together with other organisations around the world to eliminate child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes,” the Prime Minister added.