By Byron McDaniel, Freelance WriterWALDERSTON, Manchester:
THE JAMAICA Medical Assistance Committee (JAMAC) and its allied organisations were presented with a plaque for 20 years of voluntary service to the Jamaican people at a ceremony held at the New Vision Children's Home at Coleyville in Manchester on last week Tuesday.
The group of doctors and their assistants have been giving free dental care to thousands of Jamaicans on an annual basis, following the formation of JAMAC in 1981. Currently a group of eight dentists are engaged at four locations carrying out their yearly exercise, November 9 to 17.
At the New Vision Home last Tuesday, Dr. Amy Biehl and her assistant, Amy Harrison, performed various procedures. About 20 patients awaited their turn.
Dr. Biehl noted that there was a very high level of extractions which was attributed to the water not having fluoride, unlike in the United States. She said that although unsatisfactory, Jamaica's dental problems were not the worst she had encountered.
Chairman of JAMAC, Neville James, told The Gleaner that his organisation, which is a joint project between the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, was able to co-ordinate the 'flying dentist' group, shortly after his group's inception. The dentists began a coating procedure which has seen a dramatic decrease in tooth decay. This was fantastic, he said.
Among those witnessing the presentation to Dr. Biehl were president of the Rotary Club of Christiana, Lloyd Swaby, and past presidents Vernon Chung and Earl Douglas, public health nurse, Pauline Brown, directors of New Vision Home and Gary McNiel and his wife, officers of JAMAC.
