Talanei: Manu'a residents take advantage of visit by Flying Doctors of America

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Manu'a residents take advantage of visit by Flying Doctors

08/12/2010

Many Manu’a residents turned out to get dental work and other free medical services offered by Flying Doctors of America earlier this week.

A six-member team from Flying Doctors of America served a steady number of patients in Manu’a for the three days they were there. The team included two physicians, a dentist and two dental hygienists.

Dr. Jerry Batten explained the dental cases they handled while in Manu’a.

(Batten)

He said their hygienists also performed some scaling for teens and adults with periodontal diseases and also conducted educational awareness.

He said there is a big need for dental services in Manu’a as there is really no ongoing dental presence there.

Dr. David Scurlock and Dr. Jolene Montano saw serious cases such as diabetes. Dr. Scurlock explains their role during the medical mission.

( Scurlock)

Dr. Montano said the pharmacy in Ta’u has very limited medication available so what they did was give patients minimal supply and a prescription for them to get more medication later.

Aumua Amata, who escorted the team, said once they arrived in Ta’u on Monday, they boarded two alias for Ofu and Olosega. She said the channel was very rough so the medical team had quite an experience going to Ofu and Olosega. The team spent Monday serving residents there before returning to Ta’u.

Amata acknowledged the support of LBJ Hospital and the Department of Health who had a team go with the Flying Doctors to Manu’a.  She also gives credit to the Office of Samoa Affairs for their assistance in coordinating with the village mayors there in order for residents to be aware of the medical mission.

The Flying Doctors team returned yesterday and this morning, they were treated to a lavish brunch by the Tafuna Health Center.

Dr. John Tuitele, who heads the center, thanked the doctors for their dedication, time and assistance to residents of American Samoa.

He also thanked Amata for being instrumental in bringing the Flying Doctors to American Samoa.

The lavish brunch by the Tafuna Health Center is part of activities celebrating Health Center Week. Throughout this week, each division of the health center provides breakfast for patients.

Aside from the team that went to Manu’a, another group of Flying Doctors of America have been seeing patients since Monday at the LBJ Hospital.