It started 20 years ago when the group of medical doctors and nurses from the Chicago Nightingale Association (CAN) came to Nueva Vizcaya to conduct medical services for poor villagers.

Recently, the CAN doctors and nurses along with another US-based group of doctors and nurses from the Northwest Mission of Hope (NMH) jointly performed various health care services for the poor patients in the province.

“First, it was just a mission and from then on, it became a passion for us to help poor Novo Vizcayanos in depressed communities,” said Dr. Cris Guererro, CAN Team Leader and one of the Most Outstanding Surgeons in the U.S. American Medical Society (USAMS).

The CAN and the NMH jointly conducted medical, dental, surgical and optical services in the towns of Kasibu, Dupax del Sur and Diadi, benefitting more than 2,700 poor villagers who are mostly Indigeneous Peoples (IPs).

“The smiles of our patients after being treated are enough for us to be satisfied and inspired to do more medical missions here,” Dr. Grant Stuart, a CAN member said.

Governor Carlos Padilla said the province is again grateful for the benevolent services of the US-based doctors and nurses.

“Truly, their yearly mission in lifting the health conditions of our less-fortunate villagers is worthy of emulation and praise. They have shown their heart beats for poor Novo Vizcayanos needing health care treatment and services,” he said.

During the separate medical services from February 9-10, the two US-based group of medical doctors were reinforced by the resources and personnel of the Region 2 Trauma and Medical Center (R2TMC), Provincial Integrated Health Office (PIHO), PLGU-operated hospitals, Municipal Health Office (MHOs)  of Kasibu, Dupax del Sur and Diadi, Philippine Dental Association (PDA) NV Chapter, Philippine Medical Association (PMA) NV Chapter, Nueva Vizcaya Medical Society (NVMS), Alpha Sigma Fraternity, Department of Health (DOH) and doctors and nurses from the private sector, among others. (OTB/BME/PIA NVizcaya)