NAC Foundation Inc. (NACFI), the philanthropic arm of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC), and the St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation Inc. (SLMCFI) conducted an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialty medical mission in Borongan, Eastern Samar, on May 13 to 17, 2024.
The mission fulfilled the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NACFI, SLMCFI, and the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar for a province-wide surgical-medical mission.
The St. Luke’s team performed 18 major surgeries and 8 minor surgeries, and provided medical consultations to 473 patients with ENT conditions. Additionally, 158 nurses and ancillary medical staff attended specialized lectures through the St. Luke’s Healthcare Academy.
“For me, the more special part of this mission, aside from performing surgeries, was conducting lectures. If you just go to one place, do the surgeries and consultations, and leave, it feels like a one-time effort. But if you equip the local medical staff with knowledge, they can continue providing the necessary treatment,” said Dr. Allan Carpela, head of St. Luke’s Medical Center’s ENT Department.
“When the Office of the Governor asked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for authorization to enter into a MOU with NAC and St. Luke’s, we immediately agreed, because we are so happy that you are here to improve the health of the people of Eastern Samar,” said Eastern Samar vice governor Maria Caridad Goteesan.
The partnership between NACFI and SLMCFI aims to bring St. Luke’s Medical Center’s culture of care and expertise to underserved communities.
“One of the important things we have seen is that health is very important to our stakeholders, particularly in the communities where Nickel Asia operates. These programs demonstrate a valuable relationship between the industry and the community,” said NAC assistant vice president for community relations Reynaldo Dela Rosa.
This mission is one of NAC’s contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which promotes good health and well-being for all.
“From here, we hope for continued collaboration to deliver medical services with our partner, St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation, Inc.,” said NAC assistant vice president for health Dr. Bimbo Almonte.
