Pinoy, US doctors on 5-day Ilocos Norte medical mission

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte  – Over a hundred doctors and surgeons from Northern California are on a five-day international mission and started conducting free medical, surgical, dental and optometric services at the Laoag City Hall open court.

As part of strengthening relationship with private organizations, the Laoag City government has partnered with the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California (PMSNC) in providing medical services to about 8,000 Ilocanos here.

Mayor Chevylle Farinas said that the foreign non-government organization offers a great help to the public that includes free surgical operations, medicines and after-operation services.

“The patients after being screened will undergo operations and then the Laoag City General Hospital will cater to their medical needs and check-ups for free of charge,” Farinas said.

Dr. Renato Mateo, Chief of the Laoag City Health Office said that the group, composed of physicians specializing in various fields, are Americans and Filipinos providing charitable work in different parts of the world.

He said the group is touring the country to provide free operations on site, dental services and free medicines and eyeglasses for eye patients with the help of the local government units.

Mateo also said that the medical mission in Laoag City was initiated by the Ilocano member of the organization who wants to give back to his fellow Ilocanos.

Farinas encouraged all Ilocanos to avail of the medical services and get screened for proper medication as services.

The PMSNC is a registered non-profit organization run by volunteer Filipino medical practitioners from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

Established in 1972, the organization is keeping with the commitment of conducting community outreach programs and medical missions to selected rural areas in the Philippines since 1978.