What other external medical support is available to the people?

Medical Clinics, Doctors surgeries, hospitals and specialist services (such as Dentists etc.) are available to Filipinos however people are required to pay prior to consultation or admission and therefore most of the poor cannot afford the cost.

Some free medical clinics are provided by the government in various locations but most time the poor cant even afford the travel costs (particularly if they are sick) to get to the clinics or treatment / pharmaceutical costs. Costs of basic medicines such as Paracetamol are often even outside their affordability.

In the absence of medical treatment people just suffer the afflictions and often die.

Can JCI cater for medical needs consistently or just clinics?

At present JCI is developing the finances for two permanent local clinics. We are also providing training to JCI Philippines staff in the areas of basic first aid, hygiene and nutrition so that as they develop skills in this area they can apply this knowledge within JCI clinics and educational programs.

Does JCI provide extra medical assistance to sponsored children?

JCI will attempt to obtain additional support for sponsored children to meet specific medical needs however our concern is for all children in the area and therefore our focus is on developing an ongoing sustainable Medical Program.

What medical personal does JCI have?

• Sharon Del Valle – practicing registered nurse and midwife – JCI Australia
• Methusela Bagro – Trainee nurse – JCI Philippines
• Japhet Del Valle – Trainee nurse – JCI Philippines
• A range of doctor for professional advise and support from the Project Luke Foundation
• Various JCI volunteers to support medical activities

As funding and resources develop we will be seeking to add people and skill sets to the JCI Medical team.

What authority does JCI have to dispense drugs?

With the JCI team members qualified up to nursing level we don’t currently have the authority to advise on pharmacy products. When prescription drugs are required JCI refers those patients to qualified doctors such as volunteer doctors from the Project Luke Foundation and where possible and practical seeks to assist in providing the recommendations made by the doctor.

Are many of the illnesses preventable?

By improving and observing basic hygiene, clinical checkups, improving nutrition and living conditions many of the illnesses suffered are preventable. Our attention in this area is high.

What preventative education programs does JCI run?

JCI is currently in the staff training phase of its preventative program rollout. We are training JCI medical teams and volunteers in the following areas:

1. Illness prevention
2. Basic First Aid
3. Hygiene
4. Nutrition
5. Clinical evaluations
6. Care of children and babies

As staff are gaining knowledge in these areas they in turn are teaching people in the communities as they interact with them. This training will be used to advise on community members on medical clinics, missions and feeding programs. This is a long term project but has great tangible outcomes for relatively little cost

What is Project Luke?

The Project Luke Foundation is a group of qualified doctors and medical staff in the Philippines who work with JCI and specialise in areas such as diagnosis and pharmacy prescriptions providing additional depth to our medical capacity. Through their links to Pharmaceutical manufacturers the Project Luke Foundation provides JCI access to low cost basic medicines such as blood pressure pills, de-worming medications and vitamins.

How do we decide where to focus our efforts?

In an environment where need is so great and resources are so few we are very specific as to where we apply assistance. Generally we use the following criteria to evaluate needs which is done on a case by case basis;

• Is the illness life threatening?
• What is the urgency of treatment?
• How complex is the treatment to administer?
• Will the treatment be effective?
• How does the treatment effect the quality of life?
• Other special factors relating to the case?

Our focus is particularly on the children although we do also consider parents with their ability to effectively support their families.