illness question on message board

you did not answer the question re influenza.

I have a friend there and she tells me there are

many who have died as a result of this influenza

or whatever it is. please be kind enough to tell

all even if it may curb tourists for a short time.

thank you

[Robert]

the daily news and search the archives, you will get all the news you need. I would be interested in your friends news source, because it's not the local press or TV media here in the DR.

Robert.

To all readers, my personal experience with DR Doctors in Clinics is that they are knowledgeable and dedicated in their fields. Over 15 years of escaping Canadian winters gives me that confidence. In addition, the rehabilitation units are as good as in Canada. Unfortunately, hospitals are always desperately short of even the most basic drugs such as antibiotics, sterile sutures, emergency generators etc, so it is my opinion that the doctors in the hospitals are often limited in the procedures they can carry out. A few years ago a Canadian Doctor was instrumental in air-lifting 400 hospital beds, together with much needed drugs etc. It is heartbraking to see the hospital doctors having to work under such difficult conditions with patients who can not afford to go to a Clinic. Canadian Bob.

canadian bob:

thanks for the info, why don't we try to do something about the lack of drugs and medicine. I will be happy to meet with you upon my next visit to discuss what opportunities may lay before us.

there are certainly many visitors from strong influential countries that come to enjoy the island. perhaps an appeal to their medical and/or drug manufacturers may be amenable to helping.

thanks for your response

Bill

Dear Bill, If you can persuade hospitals/pharmacists/doctors to donate sutures,antibiotics, disposable surgical gloves,painkillers etc it is vital that they be in a separate bag from your personal stuff & you must have a letter from th Doctor explaining that it is medical supplies NOT FOR RESALE. When you hit DR Customs explain this and they will escort you through. It is imperative that you take it directly to the Head Pharmacist in the Hospital. Do not give it to ANYONE ELSE or it will be sold on the black market. If you inform your airline in advance & get a letter from them, it is likely you will not be charged for the extra weight. We also approached our Church for a cash donation which we gave to a rehabilitation hospital. We are very lucky to have an excellent health/medical program in Canada and when you see conditions in poorer countries it sure makes you think! Canadian Bob.

Bob; it would appear you write very well. May i suggest you write an article for the news paper there requesting all who have an interest in pursuing health care supplies send you their name address and telephone. it is my intent to build a home in DR in the not too distant future, and i would be interested in getting a group together hopefully to include some influential people from different countries to try to raise medical product by utilizing group effort.

Who knows, we might get lucky.

Bill

Thanks for the compliments Bill. Your idea is a good one. 2 years ago we raised over 7,000 Pesos RD with a spaghetti supper,in Costambar which paid for 2 eye operations on a little Dominican girl with the "wandering eye syndrome". Before the operation, her parents kept her at home as they thought she was "retarded". Now she goes to school and the other children don't make fun of her anymore. The surgery was carried out in Puerto Plata. It was a very heartwarming experience for all the people who helped to change this child's life for the better. Have a great day! Canadian Bob.