The annual breast cancer screening event at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) last Saturday was obviously a great success (see related story). A record 206 women made use of this opportunity.
They were able to process that number in six hours thanks to volunteering specialists and nurses of various departments and student doctors from American University of the Caribbean (AUC). Organisers even made available 100 mammograms at no cost for uninsured persons.
The prostate screening on September 25 was equally commendable. Online pre-registration allowed them to schedule up to five men ages 45 and over per hour.
Due to some no-shows, they could also handle a few walk-ins, for a total of 64. Younger ones who came could make use of the accompanying health check corner and COVID-19 Vaccination Pop-Up.
This kind of cooperation to the benefit of society between the various entities concerned including the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA and Collective Preventive Services (CPS) is encouraging and important. Despite all awareness campaigns, many people are hesitant or downright fearful to enquire into their health situation and often need a push.
That is exactly what these initiatives provide and medical professionals as well as all others involved deserve a pat on the back for reaching out.
