Two Cuban doctors speaking to Minister Harold Lovell

A young lady having her vision screened

The Cuban sponsored eye-care initiative moved to the St. John's City East constituency on Monday.

Over thirty constituents inclusive of the elderly and youth were examined by Dr. Mirtha Delisle, optomologist and Dr. Marcelino Fazardo (Diplomat and Liaison Officer).

Parliamentary Representative for the area, the Hon Harold Lovell states that "he is very grateful to the Government and people of Cuba for the assistance that they are giving to the people of Antigua and Barbuda, and in particular on behalf of the constituents of St. John's City East.

The Minister relays that he is receiving good reviews from the persons who have been screened thus far.

Lovell recognizes the tremendous level of financial aid that will be given to those persons who are found to need further treatment, because otherwise it could not be afforded by many.

The programme is a collaborative effort between the Republic of Cuba and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. Through this collaboration constituents are examined with an aim to discover who are suffering from diseases and conditions which affect the eye such as Cataract, Strabismus, Pterigiom and Ptosis.

Those who are found to be suffering from any of the above conditions and who may require further medical attention are sent to Cuba to correct or eliminate the condition.

The sponsorship includes accommodation, air transportation, food and medical attention free of cost.

Children and the elderly have the option of being accompanied by a guardian who will be given the same sponsorship arrangement.

So far an estimated 1500 nationals have been examined under the programme 121 persons already traveling to Cuba to undergo further medical attention.

The Cuban team is based in the All Saints Clinic, however weekly visits to various constituencies are done and special cases are referred to the All Saints clinic facility for further examination after a week. (Ends)

Digital Photos by Samoya Kirby

For further information contact:
Samoya Kirby
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation
Cell: 773-1788
Office: 462-0480
Fax: 460-6093
Email: samoya.kirby@antigua.gov.ag