ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2010.  Bright smiles on the faces of happy mothers and “thank you” echoed at the Ministry of Health as some of the beneficiaries of the Ministry of Health’s Medical Assistance Programme (MAP) returned to show their appreciation.

Five parents and their children on Thursday, June 24, walked into the office of the Medical Social Worker, Ms. Sharon Davis, to express their gratitude to the Ministry for its medical assistance.

The children, who received advanced paediatric medical-care, were accepted into the programme and benefitted from what is known as the Eastern Caribbean Initiative – an alliance involving the local Health Ministry, the Milton Cato Hospital in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Virginia-based International Hospital for Children (IHC).

Both Ms. Davis and Health Minister Ann Peters, in welcoming the parents and children, reassured them that the Ministry is always ready and willing to render whatever assistance necessary and possible.

Senator Peters said the MAP will continue as long as all goes well. “We are a Ministry that is about people, and committed to serving people by looking after their health needs,’’ she emphasized. “We are a round-the-clock Ministry and that’s why we will continue to demonstrate our commitment by providing health services that are meaningful and beneficial to the people.’’

The MAP beneficiaries were also high in praise of the programme’s local coordinator, Ms. Davis, describing her as caring and someone who pours her heart out for children and families in need.

The ties between the Ministry of Health and IHC began in 2009 with a search by local health officials for advanced pediatric care for Grenadian children as a compliment to the CHORES annual mission.

For period January up to June 2010, more than EC$45,000 from an allocated EC$100,752 has been spent on the programme to assist 23 families.

BENEFICIARIES OF THE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SAYS THANKS

The Health Minister in discussion with the parents

Minister Peters reaffirms Government's commitment

A smiling baby blushes as the Health Minister plays with him

Happy smiling mothers and kids

Minister Peters embraces one of the children that benefited under the program

Minister Peters listens to one of the beneficiaries.

Minister Peters plays with one of the children