A recent visit by the Ministry of Health’s mobile health bus to the TelEm Group parking lot on Pond Island has been hailed an overall success by those involved.
The visit, just before the Easter holiday break last Thursday, provided free health screening tests for TelEm Group personnel under the government’s community health outreach program.
It was also the first time that the program has visited a major company such as TelEm Group, to provide the free health checks.
According to Ministry of Health official, Nirmala Vlaun, TelEm Group is the first company to officially invite coordinators of the program to do a “house call” at the TelEm Group location on Pond Island.
“This shows how proactive TelEm Group staff are when it comes to making their colleagues aware of good health practices,” said Ms. Vlaun.
She noted that joining in the TelEm Group visit were some medical students who are carrying out their own research into bacterial traces and spread in the St. Maarten community.
Ms. Vlaun said the results of the environment tests will be collated and presented once completed, however the tests carried out on TelEm Group personnel was for their personal use only and for referral to a doctor if necessary.
The visit was organized by invitation of the TelEm Group Change Champions Team
Team members, Carmita Brooks said the mobile health bus visit was not only about testing and screening, but also about getting important information about good health practices.
She said health awareness pamphlets were handed out and staff were encouraged to ask questions of the numerous health officials who were available Thursday, including the mobile bus doctor, Dr. Daphne.
“The Change Champions are very pleased with the visit and would like to thank the Ministry of Health and especially Ms. Vlaun, Ms. Swinda Richardson and their team for accepting our invitation to provide free health screen for our colleagues,” said Carmita, who also thanked all members of staff who turned out for screening and to receive important information.
The Change Champions have also thanked Management of TelEm Group for supporting the staff-based initiative.
