US, Dominican military perform surgeries for low income patients

Santo Domingo.- Staring today Wednesday and during 15 days theArmed Forces Central Hospital will host the 11th conference on free plasticand reconstructive surgery, with surgeons will correct cleft lip, cleft palateand hand problems.

The work is coordinated by the US Embassy, the Dominican DefenseMinistry and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in the US.

In a press conference in the main military hospital, the coordinatorssaid the surgery will benefit low-income patients across the country and willalso provide free medicine, treatment and post-operative follow-ups.

Cardiologist and hospital director Agustin Iglesias thankedWalter Reed staff for choosing the center as the venue for the 11thtime, stressing that their efforts are geared toward the poorest.

Walter Reed hospital team commander Kerry Latham and Dr.Guillermo Saenz coordinate the surgeries while the Dominican military hospital Commander,plastic surgeon Reynaldo Aramis Vega coordinates the hospital staff.

The physicians said the stakeholders were called to jointhe effort, adding that more than 200 specialists attend the conference.