U.S. Embassy Photo Release

March 15, 2007

 

 

U.S., Philippine Militaries Provide Free Medical Care

to Families at Relocation Centers in Legazpi During Visit of USS Comstock

 

 

Two teams of doctors, corpsmen and dentists from the U.S. Navy and Marines worked alongside medical teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide free medical services to children and families living in evacuation and transition centers in Albay Province on March 13 and 14.

 

Pictured above, a U.S. Navy doctor gives a patient a shot to numb him before performing a dental procedure, as dentists from the Philippine Navy and PNP prepare to treat another patient.

 

More than 15,000 local residents have been displaced to these centers after a series of natural disasters, including Super Typhoon Reming, forced them from their homes in late 2006.  Many have not had access to regular medical attention since then, says U.S. Navy Capt. David Lane, who is overseeing the free medical clinics provided by the U.S. and Philippine militaries in Legazpi during the visit of the USS Comstock to the region.

 

‘There was a shortage in medical care in the area before the devastation of the people’s towns, and now there are no medical clinics for the people. Their medical needs are not able to be met,” said Lane. “The medical teams are here as part of Operation Goodwill to give help and relief to the residents of the campsites.”

 

The visit of the USS Comstock is part of Operation Goodwill, created in 2003 by U.S. Marines, service members, and their families in Okinawa to show appreciation to the children and families of the Philippines for welcoming them during annual bilateral exercises. The U.S. Marines work each year with their families to gather donations and then deliver toys and supplies to Filipino children over the holiday season.

 

For many of the patients receiving treatment this week, it was the first time they had seen a doctor since the typhoons hit and devastated their homes and communities.  Jesus Guarin, 47, who suffered the loss of his right leg below the knee due to diabetes six months ago, was seen for the first time since the amputation by a doctor from the U.S. Marines.

 

“The number of patients who came through and haven’t been able to get the proper medical attention was astounding,” said one U.S. Navy medical specialist working in a team with a doctor from the AFP.  “Having the opportunity to better the people’s lives even in the slightest bit makes me feel better.”

 

Lane said the medical teams were doing much more than seeing the patients who came through for treatment.  The medical teams provided vitamins and hand soap; cleaned and sanitized rest rooms; and taught short classes on proper sanitation and basic healthcare for children.

 

“The people were so grateful. Seeing them smile was one of the greatest moments of my life,” said one U.S. Navy Sailor.  Each medical team will travel to three sites over the six days of Operation Goodwill to provide primary medical and dental services.

 

The United States has been a long-standing partner of the Philippines in disaster relief and response to humanitarian crises.  From the U.S. Marines' crisis assistance in Aurora and Quezon provinces after typhoons in 2004, and in southern Leyte after the landslide in February 2006, to emergency assistance following Typhoons Milenyo and Reming in late 2006, the American people have been ready and willing to help the Filipino people in their time of need.

 

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