An advance Mercy Ship team led by Dr. Tony Jiles has arrived in Kenema City to screen people that are in need of surgery, for severe burns and orthopedic operations.
Speaking about the origin of Mercy Ship Dr. Jiles said the Ship can be traced as far back in the 70’s to provide humanitarian health services throughout the globe on a free of cost basis for people that are in dire need of medical attention.
Talking about their services he stated that most of those that are working in the Ship at the moment are volunteers recruited from within the Christian Faith across the globe that have willingly volunteered their expertise to serve mankind to make the world a healthy place to live so that peace and tranquility will continue to prevail.
Another member of the advance Mercy Ship team in Kenema Hannah Alexandra maintained that the Ship is expected to be in Sierra Leone for the next 10 months treating cases that are within their ambit devoid of religion, sentiment or political interference.
She noted that they are currently screening people across the country before the arrival of the Ship itself which is expected in Freetown at the end of February and the beginning of March 2011 to ensure that more people benefit from their services in the country.
Hannah disclosed that the screening program which started at the Government hospital along Combema Road in Kenema City on Monday attracted patients with all sorts of infections and disfigurement adding that some of those who stormed the screening center on Monday are suffering from chronic cases that needed medicines which they cannot afford on their own.
Ann Jiles another team member said those who have done their screening test in all the towns and cities they have already visited are qualified to receive treatment before they are later transported to Freetown onboard the ship for immediate medical attention.
By Saffa Moriba
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