More information regarding the Infirmary
In the past, the main village school of Paradis des Indiens housed a small infirmary where a nurse took care of any first aid emergencies, dispensed medication for childhood diseases such as ringworm, sores, conjunctivitis, skin diseases, malaria, etc. The certified nurse doubled as a school nurse and French teacher. Malaria is endemic in the region and students, as well as staff and parents, need constant care. In addition, the local dispensary charges a fee of 500 gourdes, the local currency, equivalent to (US$12.50) plus medication for the treatment. The cost of the treatment, although minimal, is more than half the monthly income of the majority of the families. Unless a child suffers from a serious illness, parents do not take their children to be treated.
We have observed an increase in cases of ringworm, worms, sores, conjunctivitis, typhoid, and other skin diseases due to the lack of medical care. The proposed school infirmary will double as a medical and dental clinic where temporary volunteer doctors, dentists and other health care providers could volunteer their services two or three times a year. In addition to providing first aid care, the school nurse will also teach hygiene and prevention to the students and conduct Health and Prevention seminars for the adults. We would also like to set up a small laboratory where basic lab testing can be conducted.
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