2013.03.09.
The Premier of Major Free Clinic in Haiti
After six weeks of evaluation and planning, TIMA Haitian Chapter held its first large-scale free clinic at the School of Commerce, Julien Craan Haitian Institute of Administrative Science (Ecole De Commerce Julien Craan Institute Haitien Des Science Administrative) on March 9th from 8AM-3PM. Physician Fu-Min Chen, along with six other medical personnel from TIMA U.S. Headquarter and Haitian volunteer Yves Danel Georges, invited the Secretary of Haitian Ministry of Health, Dr. Michel and twenty local doctors and dentists, as well as thirty UNDH (University Notre-Dame of Haiti) graduating nursing school students, serving nearly 600 residents in the community.
Caring Officials Reached Out to the Community
At the premier of a major free clinic in Haiti, thirty local nursing students came to join and assisted patients with vital sign measurement and the documentation of height and weight.
Outside the clinic, the chairs were been aligned while all the equipment was positioned indoors ready for the influx of patients. There were thirty local nursing students preparing for the event. Even the 600 plus patients have received their numbers few days ago. The free clinic was organized by the local Haitian medical team, which impressed the supporting members of TIMA U.S. Headquarter. Dr. Michel, Secretary of Ministry of Health, contributed the most; he provided the location and asked the local physicians for participation. Arriving bright and early, Dr. Michel proudly wore the TIMA physician coat and provided medical services to the patients. As a result, a 72 year-old woman with an asthmatic attack could be transferred to a larger hospital promptly.
Secretary of Haitian Ministry of Health, Dr. Michel, fully supported the free clinic and even wore the TIMA physician coat to participate.
Former Minister of the Home Affairs and the current Haitian Presidential Adviser, Thierry Mayard-Paul, arrived at the scene of the free clinic, visited each service station and paid tribute to all the medical personnel. As Tzu Chi had provided so much for the Haitian since 2010 and is now engaged in the reconstructions of schools, MayardPail said he would like to salute Master Cheng Yen with the upmost respect. When he saw the white medication bags with pictures to describe its use, he was impressed by this thoughtful attention. Mayard-Paul exclaimed, “Most of these residents are illiterate, and the white Tzu Chi medication bags used illustrations to remind the patients so it will not be quickly forgotten.” The medication bags, brought forth by TIMA U.S. Headquarter, used three lines of illustrations to indicate the dosage, time, and method of medication. In addition, the prescriptions, for the first time, used in the clinic used both French and the local dialect, Creole, to facilitate the residents’ understanding.
Take Root in Community
To demonstrate appreciation for the services provided in Haiti, the TIMA U.S. Headquarter presented 14 stethoscopes to UNDH President Maud N.Timothee; furthermore, toothbrushes were also given to assist the nurses for health education purposes. Dr. Fu-Min Chen donated a dozen of surgery books and medical equipment to the library of Haiti hospital. Dr. Chen explained, “I hope these will help them to develop and improve medical services.” Volunteer Yves Danel Georges exclaimed, “Haiti is a very poor country where medical resources are very limited. We are very grateful for Master Cheng Yen.”
Haitian Presidential Adviser, Thierry MayardPaul, paid tributes to TIMA US.
Yves Danel Georges led the team of local volunteers to prep Haitian red bean rice for lunch for nearly 80 medical personnel. The delicious and nutritious red bean rice allowed the staff to enjoy the warm presence of Tzu Chi. Two nuns, who have served in the community for many years, became volunteers at the clinic under Yves Danel’s invite. He also requested police force to provide security. Through the clinic, the local volunteers are actively establishing Tzu Chi efforts along with the support of governmental officials. After the clinic, Dr. Fu-Min Chen, Yves Danel Georges, and the United States Tzu Chi Medical Foundation CEO Tzu-Hui Tseng, grasped the opportunity and used teleconference to participate in the volunteer morning assembly and listen to Master Cheng Yen’s teaching. The force of compassion has driven Haiti toward a better and prospering future.
