On 21-27 June 2010, a group of PAMA doctor volunteers, nurses and friends will go to Dumaguete City to conduct its 3rd Annual Medical Mission to the Philippines. Boxes of medical supplies and medicines were already shipped in mid-April for a timely arrival before the mission. Aside from these medical supplies and medicines, PAMA contributed $12,000 for the project.
The Australian Volunteers will be mainly supported by volunteer doctors from the UP-PGH Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Volunteer Corps-the volunteer arm of the University of the Philippines Manila. Other partners include the Rotary Club of Gosford West NSW Australia, the Rotary Club of Dumaguete City Philippines, Rotary Australia World Community Services, local government unit of Dumaguete City and the Provincial/Rural Health Office of Negros Occidental Philippines. The Blacktown Medical Practitioners Association (BMPA) also donated some funds to support the project.
The volunteers will perform major and minor surgeries, dental surgeries and provide medical consultations at Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital. More than a thousand patients are expected to benefit from the mission. A number of Community Health Workers will be given training in Basic Life Support as well.
PAMA’s aim and commitment is to make each annual mission better than the previous year. Whilst the primary aim of this noble humanitarian undertaking is to reach out to the needy they also like to make every mission an enjoyable experience to all the volunteers. Dr. Grace Maano, PAMA’s Mission Coordinator, reminded the volunteers about the essence of voluntarism which is: WE COME TO SERVE – THE PEOPLE DO NOT OWE US ANYTHING!
PAMA’s inaugural medical mission was held at Polilio Island, Quezon Province in 2008. Last year it was held in Sorsogon in the Bicol Region. A fundraising event for the fourth medical mission to Oroquieta City on 11-17 April 2011 will be held on 21 August 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Parramatta. For more information please call Dr. Ophee de Vera, President, on 0402 762 161 or Dr. Grace Maano on 0416 745 156,. or write to; Philippine Australian Medical Association, PO Box 395 Doonside NSW 2767.