NEGRIL — The Negril Paediatric Orthopaedic Clinic, founded by resort company RIU, has reopened.

Every year the Jamaica clinic typically welcomes U.S. doctors who volunteer their time and services. Clinic operations came to a temporary standstill, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the clinic is once again welcoming its entire medical team involved in this giving-back social project, says RIU.

The company notes that the reopening is excellent news for the local community, as 59 children from the local area with mobility problems were able to resume their treatment receiving care totally free of charge. 

The clinic has been operating in Negril for 12 years thanks to the four 3-day missions carried out by volunteer doctors each year. 

In 2021 a fifth trip is expected to make up for the time lost in children’s treatment due to the pandemic.

RIU says the American specialists providing their time are supported by the clinic’s director Elaine Allen-Bradley, head of administration, medical appointments and patient training. The team has worked together to treat hundreds of Jamaican children, raising the island’s standard of health care and enabling many patients to increase their mobility or even take their first steps in a matter of hours, says the company.

RIU covers the stay of all doctors that offer treatment on a voluntary basis in the clinic, as part of its charitable accommodation program. RIU has also covered the clinic’s rent and maintenance costs since it was opened in 2009.