| TIMA Hawaii
Tzu-Chi members in Hawaii have been actively carrying out
medical care projects in accordance with the spirit and principles of TIMA:
- Establishment of Tzu-Chi Free Clinic in Hawaii
Founded in June 1997, the clinic is located at 100 N. Beretania St. Honolulu. Currently it
is open twice a week and will be extended to five times a week in November 1998. Eligible
patients are those who meet low- income requirements and do not have health insurance. For
the needy patients, the clinic can provide general medicine, minor office surgery,
gynecology, cardiology, allergy, radiological tests and pre-employment/school physicals.
The clinic expects to add dental services in 1999, and the number of active volunteer
doctors will increase from 6 to 12. In addition, the clinic will plan outreach programs
for neighboring islands and rural Oahu communities. Tzu-Chi members are grateful that all
these activities are made possible through partnership with Hawaii State Health Department
Multilingual Services and Kaiser-Permeate Group who supports the laboratory services.
- Visit to the island of Chuuk
In March 1998, TIMA Hawaii members visited the island of Chuuk, Federated State of
Micronesia. They brought with them medical relief items such as antihypertensive
medications, insulin and glucose testing machines.
- Collaborating with TIMA Vietnam
In May 1998, TIMA Hawaii reached out again by sending representatives to participate in
TIMA Vietnam's HoChiMing City District 8 Mission. Participating professionals included a
cardiologist, an OB/GYN doctor and a social worker.
- Two-day Mission in American Samoa
In August 1998, TIMA Hawaii completed a two-day mission in Samoa and treated a total of
701 local patients. Tzu-Chi Samoan liaison office was also officially established.
- Assisting Papua, New Guinea
TIMA Hawaii has also sent Dr. Goodman to assist in treating Tsunami victims in Papua, New
Guinea. Report is pending.
- Future Planning
TIMA Hawaii and TIMA Vietnam are planning on a joint mission to Hanoi in 1999.
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