The Medicine Man of Margarita Island: Jonas Chitty

Americas Now

Citizens of Venezuela are leaving long lines at the pharmacy behind and turning to a local expert for alternative treatment.

Economic hardship in Venezuela has created a serious shortage of food, goods and medication. One man who has been practicing alternative medicine on a nearby island for years is now finding himself in high demand. From Margarita Island, Venezuela this week’s Game Changer on “Americas Now” is medicine man Jonas Chitty.

Jonas’ interest in alternative medicine was cultivated through the study of plant life found near his home – the popular tourist destination of Margarita Island. He believes a person’s diet is critical to their overall health. Unfortunately, with the scarcity of goods in his country, Chitty acknowledges that these days people are eating anything they can find.

Jonas has built a day care center and it is now expanding it into a small hospital, with overnight facilities. The project is entirely staffed and financed by volunteers.

Check out this week’s Game Changer interview to see why people are skipping waiting on line at the pharmacy, to get on line for Jonas Chitty.

The Medicine Man of Margarita Island: Jonas Chitty

Citizens of Venezuela are leaving long lines at the pharmacy behind and turning to a local expert for alternative treatment. Economic hardship in Venezuela has created a serious shortage of food, goods and medication. One man who has been practicing alternative medicine on a nearby island for years is now finding himself in high demand. From Margarita Island, Venezuela this week’s Game Changer on “Americas Now” is medicine man Jonas Chitty.