More than 1,065 Dominican campesinos received much-needed medical treatment and support during a recent medical mission sponsored by the Cuban Order of the Knights of Malta. The patients were attended to at the Institute for Latin American Concern, better known as the ILAC Center, many of whom by at least one or two doctors.
The visiting team of 75 U.S.-based medical professionals consisted of 20 doctors, 13 nurses, six pharmacy specialists, two ultrasound technicians, and two physical therapists, along with 32 volunteer support personnel.
The surgical team performed 54 surgical procedures in the area of plastic surgery, as well as adult and pediatric urological surgery. Separately, the ultrasound team performed over 125 procedures. The medical team represented the fields of Cardiology, Pulmonology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Radiology, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Anesthesia, and Adult and Pediatric Urology.
Special thanks to American Airlines for transporting the more than 50 duffel bags full of medications and surgical supplies that made the mission possible for the Dominican people.
Many thanks also to the dedicated team at the ILAC Center who stepped up to the task by having everything ready for the team upon arriving for their three-day mission. The many volunteers who assisted by packing the supplies also get kudos, as well as those who prayed for the success of the mission and who helped with donations.
Fr Ernesto Travieso also deserves many thanks for providing spiritual guidance on the journey.
According to Jorge Echenique MD, they are now sponsoring three missions yearly to the Dominican Republic. “The people of the region are receiving excellent care from the mission team and with great continuity,” he said. “The wonderful smiles and the gratitude of the Dominican campesinos truly make it all worthwhile.”
He noted they will be returning to the D.R. on Feb. 16-20, 2017.
The Sovereign Order of the Knights of Malta has been organizing medical missions to Santiago for 15 years. Biannual missions are conducted in the spring and fall. They also transport medications, medical supplies, clothing, and toys worth over $100,000 on each mission.
Teams work in close collaboration with the ILAC Center, which originated in 1973 as a Jesuit Mission. The ILAC Center is an international, Ignatian-inspired, collaborative health care and educational organization that exists to promote the integral well-being of all people.
