The health of Dominica’s youth is a major priority for the Dominica Labour Party Government. The ‘I Can See Clearly Now Vision Project’, a brain child of the Hon Prime Minister, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, is another example of care for the youth being manifested.
The ‘I Can See Clearly Now Vision Project’ is currently in the second phase of screening.
In 2012, a survey was conducted and results showed that 9% of students attending primary and secondary schools had vision problems.
Following the survey, the Government of Dominica decided to start the ‘I Can See Clearly Vision Project,’ which is geared towards ensuring that students of all primary and secondary schools are screened and provided with medical attention where necessary.
In this phase of the project students who were pre-screened by family nurse practitioners in December and required further medical attention will see Cuban health professionals.
The Cuban health professionals have been in Dominica for two months.
On Friday, officials of the Ministries of Health and Education along with Cuba’s Ambassador to Dominica, H,E Juan Carlos Frometa de La Rosa got a first-hand view of the Cuban medical professionals at work at the Petite Savanne Primary School.
Students of the Petite Savanne, Roseau and St. Martin’s Primary are scheduled to be screened.
Hon Minister for Health, Dr Kenneth, Darroux, spoke highly of this project which he believes is a great initiative by Government.
“One of the key things that needs to be pointed out is that all of this is being done at absolutely no cost to the families. The Government is going to provide the first pair of spectacles free of charge to the families.”
The Hon Health Minister thanked the Government of Cuba for their continued support in the enhancement of the health sector in Dominica.
“I would really like to thank the Cuban Government, because over the years they continue to demonstrate to us that inspite of the challenges they continue to reach out to Dominica.”
Coordinator of the ‘I Can See Clearly Now Vision Project,’ Joan Henry says that so far parents have been cooperative and the project is running smoothly.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Chandler Hyacinth, called on parents to support the programme, which in turn will have a positive impact on the lives of their children.
“We want to use this opportunity to encourage the parents to give us all the support that we need. What we are contributing will save them as we are screening and providing treatment whether is in the form of glasses or otherwise for their children.”
About 1,500 students were recommended for the second phase of the project.