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U.S.-Thai Medical Team Conducting MEDCAPs Throughout Thailand

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060526-31
Release Date: 5/26/2006 2:37:00 PM

From Task Force 76 Public Affairs

THAILAND (NNS) -- A team from Operational Health Support Unit (OHSU) Great Lakes, Ill., composed of reserve-component Sailors who drill out of several Midwest states, activated by Commander, Task Force (CTF) 76 for Cobra Gold 2006, completed the 5th of nine medical civic action projects (MEDCAP) in Nakon Nayok, Kingdom of Thailand, May 21.

The 59-person U.S. MEDCAP team, in conjunction with counterparts from the Royal Thai navy and air force, have treated nearly 4,000 patients thus far. Besides providing basic care, the military medical personnel have dispensed prescriptions, issued and fabricated glasses, completed minor dental work and have also administered veterinary vaccines to animals.

Prior to the MEDCAP in Nakon Nayok, the medical team conducted two projects in Rayong and two in Korat. The team will finish the exercise with projects in Nong Nong and Lopburi.

"These MEDCAPs have been executed flawlessly, due to the professionalism of this team and the cooperation and participation of the Royal Thai navy and air force,” said Cmdr. Cary H. Meyers, of OHSU Great Lakes, officer-in-charge of the MEDCAPs. “The ongoing training in the field is extremely valuable for all personnel and will be used in future operations of this type. We look forward to executing each project with the same standard of excellence we have already displayed, and truly have helped a large number of people when the exercise is finished.”

The medical team is composed of general medical doctors and a number of specialists including dental, optometry, ophthalmology and veterinary. The Thais have similar skill sets and work right next to their U.S. counterparts.

Meyers was very appreciative for the Thai support, noting that their contributions have been a key factor to the overall success so far. He also said he was pleased to see the interactions taking place, as the two medical teams have exchanged medical and cultural knowledge.

"The Thai people have been extremely gracious and hospitable to our team,” said Meyers. “They greatly appreciate our presence and make each and every one of us feel comfortable and welcome. Their conduct and friendship is remarkable, and we try to reciprocate as much as possible that hospitality.”

The U.S. Navy doctors take a great pride and satisfaction in what is being done throughout Thailand.

"I think it is an honor to be chosen for this mission,” said Hospitalman Peter Marlowe, with OSHU. “It is a great opportunity to use and improve our skills as corpsmen while helping others. It also gives you a tremendous sense of accomplishment. It is great to see people of both nations - and different services - work together for one common goal.”

Thai medical personnel shared the same thoughts.

“It is great to work with the American medical team,” said a nurse with the Royal Thai army. “We have a great system in place. The patients move very quickly through the system. The diagnoses are made very quickly and accurately, and it is easy for the Thai patients to see the American doctors. Also, the Thais love getting glasses right on the spot. It is hard for many Thai patients to pay for glasses, so it is a real treat for them.”

Task Force 76 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force and is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

Cobra Gold is a combined annual joint training exercise aimed at developing interoperability, strengthening relationships between services and developing cross-cultural understanding among participating nations.