The original article can be found in: The Vincentian By Karissa Clarke
This country is receiving additional assistance from the Taiwanese Embassy in the development of our Health Care, especially as it relates the area of Diabetes and Diabetic Patients at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH).
On Tuesday 29th May, 2012, the Embassy held a Diabetes Monitoring, Care and Prevention Luncheon to share information with the public and other medical professionals in this area, and to introduce team of visiting Taiwanese specialists.
Speaking at the Luncheon, Dr. Simone Keizer – Beache, Medical Director of MCMH, expressed her pleasure to be working along with the Taiwanese.
The team visit at a time when, according to Dr. Rosyln Ambrose of the Caribbean Medical Imaging Center, at least one amputation, the result of diabete, was performed in SVG every week.
Taiwanese Ambassador H.E. Weber V.B. Shih cited the 30 years of co-operation between SVG and Taiwan as having produced “juicy fruits”, and expressed his thanks to “private institutions” who assisted.
The visiting team of Taiwanese specialists was introduced by Mr. Richard Chen, First Secretary at the Taiwanese Embassy.
The team is headed by Dr. I-chieh Mao, Metabolism and Endocrinologist, of Changhua Christian Hospital. In his presentation, Dr. Mao explained the basics of Diabetes as a non-communicable disease, and also shared some insights as to how his team would be assisting.
This is not the first time that Taiwanese Doctors have come to SVG, as Dr. Mao recalled their August 2010 visit. He expressed how happy he was to be a part of the returning contingent, returning and said that they are ready to “offer training, experience and expertise” to our blessed land.The team consists of three doctors and two nurses from the Chaghua Christian Hospital in Central Taiwan who work along with the Diabetes Association of the Republic of China.
The contingent has a four- point plan governing their work in SVG: to apply screening equipment and staff training in St. Vincent using glucometers and other devices; to do the first Diabetes map of St. Vincent, similar to one they did in St. Lucia; to set up a telemedicine programme; and to establish a professional diabetes education team and set up teaching materials.
Following Dr. Mao’s presentation, those gathered were invited to have their blood glucose levels checked by the two Taiwanese nurses.
The event closed with a “healthy low calorie” lunch to encourage all present to be conscious of what they eat, and to be always aware of Diabetes causes and effects.
