Group of immigrant doctors open free health clinic

September 25, 2010|By Melody pettit | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kans.) —

Hundreds of Wichita residents face unemployment and may lose medical insurance after the latest announcement by Hawker Beechcraft to cut staff.
Now a group of immigrant doctors say they want to help to give back to a community that's facing an uncertain economic future.

"I come from India, but I've been in Wichita since 1976," said Vimal Goyle.

"I'm a Phillipino," said Emeline Abay.

These doctors weren't born here, but now say they want to give back to a Country that has given them all the opportunity to succeed.

"I'm elated, this is my dream come true," said Abdul Arif.

Arif's dream was to open a free health clinic. He's a Wichita attorney and businessman and now the Director of the Mayflower Clinic. It's is designed to cater to the un-insured and undocumented immigrants.

"There are many immigrants here who have become very successful. Now it's time for us to pay back to give back to the city that enabled our success," said Arif.

Arif put together a team of about 25 immigrant doctors to volunteer their time and services for a completely free clinic; a dream-team of some of the best cardiologists, neurosurgeons, and doctors in Wichita, including Vimal Goyle. She’s a gynecologist.

"This is very important to get people healthcare so they won't wait till the last minute and then end up in the hospital," said Goyle.

"This community has given me so much. I want to give back," said As'ad Ehtisham.

The clinic will be open to anybody regardless of race or religion. Patients need to only have something that proves they are un-insured and meet federal poverty guidelines.

"There are so many uninsured people in our community right now and so much talent in the immigration community. We are educated, motivated, and eager to help," Arif said.

The Mayflower Clinic will be the second free clinic in Wichita, and while they will start off slow, only open two days a week with just a handful of patients, they hope to eventually be open full time.

The Mayflower Clinic is funded through private foundation grants and physicians and other people in the community. The clinic hopes to officially open by the end of October.

For more information on the clinic you can go to: http://www.mayflowerclinic.com/

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