IDC brings specialised health care to outer islands |03 February 2012
Regular medical check-ups will be carried out to pick up any potential problems, allowing the company to take steps to either prevent them or begin early treatment.
The medical outreach programme started with an eye-testing clinic on Desroches last weekend with over 75 workers taking part.
Staff of other partners operating on the island – Island Conservation Society and Desroches Island Resort – also had their eyes screened
The tests are in line with the company’s new programme to review its work plan and various operational structures within departments with the aim of maximising productivity on all its administered outer islands.
They were conducted by consultant eye specialist at the Seychelles Hospital, Dr Emin Usubov, under the supervision of Dr Selvan, the senior medical officer of the IDC.
Nurses Beryl Cedras (from the eye clinic), Cecile Vadivelo (from the IDC clinic) and Romena Maria (from the Desroches Island Resort clinic) also helped with the exercise.
Dr Selvan explained that the tests will be a continuous exercise and will take place every three or four months, depending on the availability of specialists.
This, he said, will help cut transportation cost in cases of minor illnesses, especially with the lack of frequent service between Mahe and the outer islands.
He added that it will also help sustain the islands’ development and prevent delay in the company’s growth.
Dr Selvan explained that the specialist care will be moved to the other outer islands.
For his part, Dr Usubov described the test as successful and results of diagnosis showed that the majority of the patients are healthy.
He however encountered a few cases of early infection (optic neuropathy) which will be treated.
Some of the patients were given treatment on site, while those needing more specialised care and glasses will be referred to the Seychelles Hospital.
A dental check-up is up next and a specialist will be on Desroches this weekend starting tomorrow.