Saint Lucia: US Military Medical Mission begins, aims to provide medical & surgical assistance

Castries, Saint Lucia: The Government of Saint Lucia and the Ministry of Health welcomed a team of American Medical experts on the island to begin the United States Military Medical Mission- Lesser Antilles Medical Team (LAMAT).

The medical mission began on Monday and will conclude on Friday, March 8, 2024. The event is organised to seek medical and surgical support for the betterment of Saint Lucia.

Medical officers will get an opportunity to receive training at various levels under this mission.

According to the reports, Vascular Surgical Procedures will be executed at the Owen King European Hospital (OKEU) during the ongoing mission and surgical specialists from both the OKEU and St Jude Hospital is working together for the accomplishment of this project.

As per sources, the officials from the health ministry and government have received a team of medical staff from the LAMAT mission which included,

• 2 vascular surgeons
• 3 post anaesthesia Care Unit Nurses
• 2 registered nurse anaesthetists
• 2 Diabetic nurses
• 1 surgical nurse
• 3 surgical technicians

Considerably, all the members of the medical staff have been through a vetting process by the respective Medical and Dental, Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Health Councils, where their backgrounds and capabilities were thoroughly checked. After examining all the details about the members, they were given a green signal to participate in the mission.

The team arrived with some medical and surgical equipment, medicine and supplies to treat the patients with advanced medical equipment.  The report further said that there are an estimated 40 dialysis patients in the country who will receive vascular surgical care instead of fistula to receive dialysis treatment.

The US Air Force Col- Robert Noll expressed his excitement for the health engagements in the nation. He added, “We are excited to engage and learn from one another, while building the relationships so crucial to the future of our partnership.”

Further, the authorities and people of Saint Lucia look forward to this important and timely medical and surgical mission. This medical mission underscores the development of the healthcare sector in the country and enhances the advanced medical technology within the nation.