FALMOUTH, Trelawny — President of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) Dr Cliff Eke is extending an invitation to the Government to form long-term partnerships aimed at boosting health-care services across the island.

Dr Eke, who led a team of eight medical professionals to Jamaica over the weekend, said the organisation stands ready to strengthen its support — but future missions will require collaboration with the State.

“Now we are willing to do more. This will be a start. ANPA organisation is willing to come back in the future and help. But we need the Government’s cooperation. Not just the private [sector], but the Government in collaboration with us. We can bring a larger number of volunteers to come and help. And there are other organisations in the US [United States] willing to come,” said Dr Eke.

“So I know the Government is busy and there is a lot on their plate [now] but if they make health the priority… health is wealth.. we are willing to come anytime we are needed to come to make it happen,” he continued.

Dr Eke was speaking with the Jamaica Observer at a health clinic organised by Andrews Memorial Hospital, All Well Foundation, Giving JA Foundation, and the Heart Institute of the Caribbean Foundation on the grounds of the Falmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sunday.

He said the organisation intends to build on this first step, noting that Jamaica’s health sector could benefit greatly from sustained international volunteer partnerships.

“We are expecting anywhere from 400 to 500 patients,” he said, adding that future missions could include larger teams and broader services with Government backing.

Dr Eke shared that the organisation’s involvement was sparked after Hurricane Melissa, when he reached out to local partners offering help.

“They told us that they are having outreaches like where we are now in Falmouth, Trelawny,” he explained.

“So that’s why we are here along with our friend, the Heart Institute of the Caribbean. So when they told us that they are having outreaches like where we are now… I told members of our organisation. Some donated money, some donated their time. I have eight members of the organisation, physicians, that are here with us and we are here now taking care of patients,” he added.

Founded in the United States, ANPA represents physicians with ties to Nigerian practising across the Americas — including the Caribbean. Dr Eke emphasised that Jamaica falls within the organisation’s mandate of regional health support.

“This is a non-profit organisation. Our vision is a healthier Nigeria because we are Nigerian heritage and Americas. Even though we are based in the US. Americas include the Caribbean — it’s North, South America, and the Caribbean and Central America. So that’s why we are here,” said Dr Eke.

The organisation joins a growing list of medical groups offering support to Jamaica as part of post-hurricane recovery and health outreach efforts.

President and CEO of Andrews Memorial Hospital Limited Donmayne Gyles said Sunday’s health outreach marked the organisation’s second major response effort following Hurricane Melissa, noting that the initiative was driven by the urgent needs of affected residents.

He disclosed that on Sunday, 452 people received medical services across three locations — in Clark’s Town, Deeside, and Falmouth — with support from volunteer nurses and partner organisations. Gyles highlighted that the mission included dental and optical care and was made possible through collaboration with Allkare Wellness Foundation, Giving Jamaica, the HIC Foundation, and a number of sponsors including the National Health Fund, Wright Foundation, and Cal’s Manufacturing.

Gyles said Andrews Memorial Hospital is proud to lead the effort and support communities in need.

“Through our partners, collaborators and staff, a total of 452 individuals received healthcare services across the three locations. In Clark’s Town, 103 persons were seen, including 19 who received optical services. In Deeside, 91 persons were attended to, and in Falmouth, 258 individuals received care, including 40 dental and 68 optical services,” he said.

“Our volunteer nurses and team were integral in providing triaging, registration, care package distribution, and other services at all three locations. As a private health-care provider based in Kingston, we are very pleased to have spearheaded this initiative along with Allkare Wellness Foundation, Giving Jamaica and HIC Foundation, and collaborated with several other sponsors like Wright Foundation, National Health Fund, Cal’s Manufacturing, Canopy Insurance, Comcare Optical, University of the Commonwealth Caribbean and others that made today’s effort a reality,” he added.