http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47756000/jpg/_47756429_bloodpressure766.jpgThe largest US free clinic is taking place in Los Angeles, where patients get an initial check-up. Ariel Linear says: “They found my pulse was kinda high. It’s the first time I heard anything like that. I’m going to see my doctor.”
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47756000/jpg/_47756430_whichwaynow766.jpgAriel is among 25% of Californians who have no health insurance. Many are newly-uninsured as a result of the recession. Treatments offered by the Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps (RAM) include dental care, eye exams, chiropody, smears and mammograms.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47756000/jpg/_47756431_wide3766.jpgHundreds of volunteer doctors, nurses and helpers operate out of mobile units and in makeshift clinical areas. More than 6,300 people will be treated over a week in an arena that has hosted basketball teams, Olympic wrestlers and the Democratic Convention.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47756000/jpg/_47756432_dentalwide766.jpgMel Taylor, 58, gets dental care as part of a general check-up. He lost his health insurance two years ago when he lost his job. Dentist Annie Ko says: “There’s not enough dentists down here. I have two chairs going. I haven’t worked this hard for years.”
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47756000/jpg/_47756433_tools766.jpgSurgical equipment lies on a table waiting to be used. It is sterilised on site. Dental care is the most in-demand service. in 2009,California stopped funding dental care for low-income people as a way of saving money.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47756000/jpg/_47756434_eyeexam766.jpgEye tests take place in dim light, which suits patient Linda who lost her job and health insurance nine months ago. “It’s very humbling to be here,” she says. Optometrist Joy Nakabayashi says: “I thought it would be a good thing to do, to give back.”
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47756000/jpg/_47756435_boss766.jpg"Health care in the US is the privilege of the well-to-do or well-insured," says RAM founder Stan Brock. By Rajesh Mirchandani.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
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