DIAS, Hanover — LAST weekend’s health fair here saw a huge turnout of people seeking free medical check-ups at the event spearheaded by Donna Malahoo-Bowen, the newly selected Jamaica Labour Party councillor-caretaker for the Riverside Division.

As a result, the organisers had to set another date to facilitate those who were unable to see the doctor.

Two fairs were initially planned for last Saturday, one in the morning in the Dias community, which would have been followed by another in Askenish in the afternoon. However, the overwhelming turnout of parents and their children at the Dias event led to the cancellation of the Askenish fair.

According to Malahoo-Bowen, over 150 people turned out to see the one doctor who volunteered his service.

Malahoo-Bowen, sister of Senator Marlene Malahoo-Forte, said that an August 15 date had been set to facilitate people from Askenish and its surroundings.

“We reached over there [Askenish] late because the doctor saw over 150 at the station in Dias. I will be doing a different one on the 15th of [August]. The doctor had to return to Kingston,” Malahoo-Bowen said.

People from Dias and the surrounding communities of Kingsvale, Middlesex, Dalmally, Riverside and Epping received medical attention on Saturday.

Communities that are expected to be served next month include Askenish, Chambers Pen, Mt Peace and Clifton.

Malahoo-Bowen said she saw the need for such a fair in these rural communities, hence the decision to stage one. She said she is hoping to make it an annual event based on the feedback.

“The people are very elated about it. This is the first time it has been done in the communities, so they are very happy. With the turnout and the feedback that I am getting, I hope it will be a continual thing for the communities,” Malahoo-Bowen said.

Meanwhile, Dr Clevert Bacchas, who is based in Spanish Town, St Catherine, said the love of helping people motivated him to volunteer his service.

“I spoke to Malahoo-Bowen and she explained to me what was happening and it was a great pleasure for me. I have always done it. I have been helping people from Portland, from Trelawny, from various parts of Jamaica,” Dr Bacchas said.

“I love to help people and I understand the challenges that people have, and as a result of that, it is pretty much nothing to me,” the doctor said.

Dr Bacchas said that it was discovered during the examination that a number of people had ailments they were unaware of.