Thirty persons from communities across the state are now recuperating at their homes, having recently received free surgeries from a team of medical specialists out of the United States.{{more}}

The surgeries were done by 13 volunteers from the International Surgical Missions (ISM) who were guests of the Medical Relief Association (MRA).

“I am really thankful today to the doctors and the members of the group that brought them here because I am feeling really better and have no pains. And it was done free of charge,” said Delano Barker of Rillan Hill, a young man who received a gunshot wound four years ago.

Prior to his recent surgery, Barker had undergone four operations, but still had fragments from the bullets lodged in his ear.

Lynette Hannaway of Belmont, who had a surgery to remove a goitre after five years, said she had seen different doctors who told her to use iodine salts as well as medication.

“A friend told me some American doctors were coming so I went to see them. They told me they would operate on me. I went and did it and am feeling good now. God sent these doctors for me. Thanks very much to everyone,” said Hannaway.

MRA is a local non profit organization committed to improving health and medical care through health education and training, and by conducting preventative and curative medical aid services, as well as surgical and dental assistance to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The group of specialists arrived here on August 28 and performed the surgeries at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) after conducting screening sessions on August 29.

President of MRA, Fidel Caesar, said the specialists performed surgeries to remove goitres (thyroidectomy) from 26 persons. They also did one tonsillectomy, one cystoscopy, one tympanic earlobe and one mastoidostomy.

He disclosed that the ages of patients ranged from 25 – 71. However, most of them were women.

“From all feedback the mission was a success,” Caesar said.

The team also donated medical supplies to the MCMH and gifts to the Paediatric ward.

“We at MRA are happy that these persons benefitted from the mission and we wish to thank the Government, the Ministry of Health and the Environment and ISM for making this possible,” said Caesar.

ISM is a Colorado based non-profit organization established by Dr. Paul Radway, who headed the mission to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which marked their first visit to any Caribbean State.

They are, among other things, dedicated to providing surgical care to patients all over the world.

In July 2009, MRA hosted a team of 56 medical volunteers from United Hands Incorporated from Florida and in July this year four Chiropractors on a one week mission.

In keeping with its mission, Caesar says MRA’s next project is to host a team of dental practitioners to provide free dental services to school children in St. Vincent and the Grenadines next January.