GIU – Officials in the Health Department say they are very pleased with the outcome of the first overseas medical specialists visit to the island for the year.
Dr Joe Daly, a Montserrat-born obstetrician/gynaecologist and urologist Dr Umesh Jain were on island from March 17th to 24th as part of the Visiting Specialist Program.
During their visit, both specialists saw a combined total of 73 patients. Dr Daly treated 38 patients with two undergoing routine surgery, while Dr Jain saw 35 patients. More than two-thirds of those individuals require follow-up and are scheduled to see him on his next visit.
Dr Jain also announced that during his visit he had performed the first prostate biopsies on Montserrat.
In this connection, the Ministry of Health and Social Services has confirmed that measures are being implemented to facilitate further such investigations and other interventions described by both clinicians.
In addition to their clinical work, Drs Daly and Jain contributed significantly to the health awareness of the population by participating in a patient education forum chaired by the Chief Medical Officer Dr Kernanet-Huggins and attended by members of the public as well as government officials.
In that session, Dr Daly delivered a talk on the use of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine in the prevention and management of cervical cancer. This was followed by a presentation on the diagnosis and treatment of Prostate cancer by Dr Jain.
They also participated in a health education program aired on ZJB radio and hosted by the Health Promotion Unit.
Dr Joe Daly is a Montserratian Obstetrician/Gynaecologist who has returned twice per year for several years to provide his services. Dr Umesh Jain. Dr Jain is the Chief of Urology at the St Joseph Health Centre at the University of Toronto.
Health officials report that over the coming months further specialist visits are scheduled, the next being that of Dr Fergus-Roe, a Consultant Cardiologist currently practicing at the Mt Sinai Hospital in New York.
She will be accompanied by members of her clinical team who will use technology available on the island to provide better diagnosis and improved treatment to local patients. Dr Fergus-Roe and her team are expected in April.
In expressing gratitude for the services provided to the island by these medical experts under the Visiting Specialist Program, health officials state that the people of Montserrat rely on their generosity and support.
These medical experts provide their time and services free of charge to the people of Montserrat.
They not only provide clinical care and training to the on-island clinical team but also support in the promotion of good health to the wider population.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it continues to work with these specialists in providing the best possible care to a standard comparable with that of the large institutions in which they are ordinarily employed.
