Around 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, the AP-41 Transport Ship “Aquiles” set sail from the Molo de Abrigo to the Juan Fernández Archipelago, with the purpose of conducting a new medical operation in conjunction with the Acrux Foundation.
On this occasion, fifty-five doctors and health professionals – including Naval Reserve (RN) Officers – will voluntarily provide more than 2,000 health care services for the benefit of the community of the archipelago.
Prior to the departure of the Unit, the Regional Presidential Delegate, Manuel Millones; the Commander-in-Chief of the First Naval Zone, Rear Admiral Raúl Silva; and the Director of the Valparaíso – San Antonio Health Service, Alis Catalán.
The Commander of the AP-41 “Aquiles”, Frigate Captain Jorge Chandía, referred to this commission pointing out that: “We are together with the Acrux Foundation and other public services to set sail to Robinson Crusoe Island in a large medical operation aimed at supporting the people of Juan Fernández. For the Chilean Navy, it is a source of pride to support those who are in remote territories making their homeland and exercising sovereignty, with the willingness to give the best of ourselves to transfer health professionals and provide support to the community.”
For his part, the Regional Presidential Delegate thanked the support of the Institution to conduct this initiative that contemplates the presence of various public agencies in support of the connectivity and needs of the island territory.
Meanwhile, the Medical Director of the Acrux Foundation, First Lieutenant RN Carolina Cerón, indicated that: “This is the twentieth operation that the Foundation has carried out to Juan Fernández since 2005. We take 55 health professionals, including doctors and non-doctors, to provide care in practically all specialties, in addition to resolute radiological examinations that help solve the health problems of the population.”
Likewise, the Director of the Valparaíso – San Antonio Health Service stressed that participation in the “Government on the Ground” initiative seeks to bring the healthcare network closer to the island community and give continuity to the care and rehabilitation of patients who require services in the hospitals of the continent.
Among the specialties considered in the medical round are otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology, gynecology, radiology, traumatology, urology, dermatology, pediatrics, gastroenterology, cardiology, child neurology, pediatric bronchopulmonary, physiatry, geriatrics, nephrology, rheumatology, and internal medicine.
The Chilean Navy reaffirms its permanent commitment to the development and well-being of the country’s island territories and isolated communities, providing its multipurpose means to reduce health waiting lists and provide essential logistical support for the benefit of citizens.
