Overwhelming Turnout for Free Medical Services

Free health care is drawing big crowds in Belize City. A four‑day medical mission led by the Seventh‑day Adventist Church is offering everything from dental services to general health consultations and organizers say the response has been overwhelming. Today, News Five’s Paul Lopez stopped by the Belize City Civic Center to see the outreach in action. Here’s his report.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

They came before sunrise and they came in droves. As early as six this morning, long lines formed as hundreds turned out for free medical care, part of a major four‑day medical mission led by the Seventh‑day Adventist Church in Belize. We take you there and show you how the effort is already making a difference.

 

Esmeralda Moralez, Gardenia Village Resident

“I reached here like twenty-five pass six this morning. I am from Gardenia Village.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Why you came so early?”

 

Esmeralda Moralez

“My experience and thought is that it is free and Belizeans will take advantage of it because medical is expensive here.”

 

President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Belize, Al Powell, spoke about the purpose of the mission. He emphasized service to the community, and the church’s commitment to holistic health.

 

Al Powell, President, Belize Union of Seventh Day Adventist

“As you can see in the background we have the dental area. I think this is a first of its kind, especially in the Civic Center where we have five dentist, three hygiene and people doing specialization. It is just what God is doing for us, opening this avenue. We don’t take any credit for it. We just try to facilitate his blessings on our community. We have from this morning a full house, persons trying to get into the service and we are maxed out to capacity.”

 

The mission brings together local and international volunteers, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, offering services ranging from general check-ups to specialized care. The group of more than two hundred U.S. healthcare volunteers are with Amazing Facts International, an Adventist ministry group. Clinic Director, Roger Chene (Shane), leads the volunteer group.

 

Roger Chene, Clinic Director, Amazing Facts International

“It is really a pleasure to serve our brothers and sisters in Belize. It is more of a privilege for us to come here. It is an opportunity for us to share, all of our team members and working professionals and they are taking time out of their own busy schedules and use their skills and God given ability to serve the community here in Belize. So, it really is a privilege. There has been large lines and it is a free service. There is no charge for any of the services. So we want to encourage everyone. We will still be here on Wednesday and Thursday but we want to encourage everyone to come early, because it is first come, first serve.”

 

Dr. Zoraida Powell is a Health Ministry Assistant for the Belize Union Seventh Day Adventist. She worked closely with Amazing Facts International to get the volunteers to Belize for the health initiative.

 

Dr. Zoraida Powell, Health Ministry Assistant, Belize Union Seventh Day Adventist.

“These are medical doctors, dentist, gynecologist, pediatricians, pharmacists, nurses, pediatricians, pharmacist, nurses, nutritionists, physiotherapists, ophthalmologists, so all of these people along with some local doctors and dentist. We have this health brigade where we can serve the community in Belize.”

 

The patience it takes to wait in line to see a doctor comes as little to no burden to those seeking the service being offered, especially since it comes free of cost. Belize City Resident, Joyce Villafranco, shared her experience.

 

Joyce Villafranco, Belize City Resident

“Well I feel so good, so very good. This place is a nice place and I am a Seventh Day Adventist.”

 

Paul Lopez

“And they are giving it for free. How much of a difference that makes for you?”

 

Joyce Villafranco

“Hundred percent, because it is free. You know how Belizeans like free thing.”

 

The medical mission runs for four days and organizers encourage residents to arrive early, as demand continues to grow. Reporting from Belize City, I’m Paul Lopez.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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