New York, NY - The international surgical outreach organization Doctors On Call, (D.O.C.) on its second surgical outreach mission, today donated an Olympus Video Endoscope to Annotto Bay Hospital. The US $215,000 Video Endoscope is the most sophisticated diagnostic tool available for identifying diseases of the gastro-intestinal system, and is the first to be available in the north east region of Jamaica.

"The donation is all about keeping Annotto Bay Hospital on the leading edge of medical technology," said Dr. Brian Donaldson, General and Vascular Surgeon at Harlem Hospital Center, an affiliate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, and D.O.C., Medical Spokesperson. "By providing this valuable resource, we are saying that the people of Annotto Bay deserve nothing less than the most effective and efficient technology to identify diseases such as cancer."

Originally built in 1860 as a public infirmary, the hospital expanded rapidly to provide a full spectrum of services. The recently completed Out Patient Department serves the many communities of North-East St. Mary. Annotto Bay Hospital today handles approximately 14,661 outpatient visits annually, including emergency services.

Honorable Minister of Health John Junor describes the initiative as fundamental in meeting the needs of Annotto Bay's patient community. "This is an excellent example of the kind of support that all our communities need. Partnerships such as this one, will allow our hospitals to continue to provide optimal care."

Dr. Ray Fraser, Senior Medical Officer of Annotto Bay Hospital notes, "This partnership represents a new direction for Annotto Bay Hospital. We are always looking for new ways to improve service and its delivery. The Video Endoscope allows us to identify pathology of the gastro-intestinal system that may not be visible by other modalities. Improved diagnosis and early treatment lowers costs, increases productivity and saves lives."

"The Video Endoscope allows a better assessment of diseases of the digestive systems", says Dr. Adedayo Mokuolu, Gastroenterologist at North General Hospital, an affiliate of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and D.O.C. volunteer. "In addition, the equipment can be used for therapeutic intervention. For example control of bleeding from ulcers, and removal of pre-cancerous lesions."

Founded in 2000, Doctors On Call is the first international outreach organization to focus exclusively on increasing access to general and reconstructive surgery in the Caribbean. D.O.C. support five areas of development in specialty and sub-specialty surgery: Ear Nose Throat (ENT), which includes head and neck and Craniofacial surgery, plastic and reconstructive, general, vascular surgery and urology.

This year, more than 100 patients received care and 49 patients underwent general or reconstructive surgery at Annotto Bay Hospital.

Doctors On Call's surgical outreach team will extend its services to St. Kitts and Nevis October 2002. The team will return to Annotto Bay Hospital next year. For additional information mail correspondence to Doctors On Call, P.O. Box 250858, New York, NY 10025.

Contact:

Sophia Johnson


Email: info@doc-online.org

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