Merilyn gave an excellent summary of the work of Interplast and the many countries they visit. They provide surgical procedures for many congenital defects for example Cleft Lips, Palates and Burn injuries. The teams are all volunteer surgeons, Anaesthetists and Nursing staff.
Interplast works with both the College of Surgeons and Rotary Australia and New Zealand. As well as operating on patients they provide training to the local doctors and help these doctors to fins placements in teaching hospitals in Australia. Once they gain more knowledge and skills, they can return to their country better equipped to deal with the many different procedures they meet.
The are now sending teams to Bhutan and have enabled one doctor to train in Australia so he can do Plastic surgery in Bhutan. He is now the only Plastic surgeon in Bhutan. Interplast has had a significant impact in Bhutan.
It is truly an inspiring organisation in that they provide surgical services to many people who would not be able to receive the treatment they need.
Merilyn is obviously very enthusiastic about the work Interplast carries out and is keen to spread the word.
Funds are a particular issue with Interplast as they must take all the surgical equipment they need. The hospitals and clinics they visit do not stock the sophisticated equipment needed for Plastic surgery.
We hope as a club we can support the work of Interplast in the future.
Thank you, Merilyn, for your inspiring presentation to the Rotary Club of Burnside.