Posted by Sam McCurdy
Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) is a project of Rotary Clubs in Australia and New Zealand. It is an approved Rotary International project.
ROMAC provides medical treatment for children from developing countries in the Oceania region in the form of lifesaving and dignity restoring surgery that is not accessible to them in their home country.
He states, "The Australian and New Zealand Governments maintain their policies of not allowing ROMAC to bring patients into our countries, even though we have a large list of potential medical cases needing treatment. If, and when, the two governments allow us to bring patients into our respective countries, ROMAC then faces the great challenge of having to prioritise the patients, as we have limited funds available due to the large drop in revenue owing to the COVID restrictions on fundraising functions and special events."
On a positive note, he reports that Vincent, the last patient to be treated in Australia before COVID closed our borders, who returned home to the Solomon Islands in November after 16 months in Canberra, is doing well, is putting on weight and is enjoying life like any happy, healthy two year old.The photo of Vincent (Above) was taken just prior to him leaving Canberra to return to his home in the Solomon Islands. It was taken by Canberra Times photographer, Karleen Minney.
