In Jamaica, Mobile Clinic Celebrates Community Impact After One Year
Students of the Bellefield High School Choir performed “Likes” as part of the celebrations of the Three Angels Pharmacy Mobile Clinic first anniversary celebrations in Mandeville March 29, 2018. Image by Nigel Coke
April 3, 2018 | Mandeville, Jamaica | Nigel Coke/IAD
One year after launching its community mobile clinic on March 30, 2017, the Three Angels Pharmacy celebrated its first anniversary with a free health fair.
The celebration, which was geared towards giving thanks to God, volunteers, sponsors and well wishers, was held at the pharmacy’s location on Caledonia Road in Mandeville, Jamaica.
Joseph Watson (right) gets his blood pressure test from retired nurse Leonie Williams during the Three Angels Pharmacy Mobile Clinic first anniversary celebrations in Mandeville March 29, 2018. Image by Nigel Coke
Owner of Three Angels Pharmacy Rohan McNellie is more than happy with the activities of the past year. He is encouraging other business owners to get involved in community activities as he believes it is a win-win for everyone.
“The mobile clinic is a national initiative, which is non-discriminatory in that we will reach out to anyone regardless of their genders, race, ethnicity, religion and political divide. It’s about helping people and meeting their health needs and I am very happy with what we have achieved so far,” said McNellie.
McNellie has seen people’s lives transformed first hand.
“When I go out with the team knowing that what I am going about is ministering to the needs of people without putting any money in my pocket, it is a great feeling,” said McNellie. “I have seen lives change physically, mentally and spiritually. Just today during the celebrations a lady walked up to me to say that she appreciates what is being done and she would like to attend church and get baptized without anyone introducing Christ or scriptures to her.”
During last week’s activities, 106 persons were registered and got free health checks covering, dental and medical examinations including ECG and BMI tests. An additional 60 persons got free pap smear or prostate screening courtesy of National Health Fund.
Tresha Hamilton, dental hygienist, attends to 10 years old Justin Paris during the Three Angels Pharmacy Mobile Clinic first anniversary celebrations in Mandeville March 29, 2018. Image by Nigel Coke
Over the past year, the mobile clinic has given free health services to more than 5,700 persons in 65 communities across 10 parishes in Jamaica. McNellie used the opportunity to present each of the 25 regular volunteers with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Guest speaker at the event was Senator Floyd Morris, a long-time school friend of McNellie, who commended him for the work of the clinic.
“It is tremendous initiative to establish the clinic,” exclaimed Senator Morris. “It is taking health service at the doorstep of people and to have seen and reach more than 5,700 persons in one year is absolutely amazing. I wish him and the mobile clinic more success as they seek to make Jamaica a healthier and happier society.”
The mobile clinic is manned by the pharmacy’s staff, volunteers and retired volunteer nurses and doctors. Its objective is to take health care to the people wherever they are so that they may “know their numbers.”