THE Nikki Cares 5th Surgical Mission in Negros Occidental has served a total of 349 patients from both major and minor operations conducted by volunteer surgeons, doctors, nurses and pharmacists last September 26 to 28 at the Teresita Jalandoni Memorial Provincial Hospital in Silay City.
Dominique "Nikki" Lopez Benitez, president of the Nikki Cares Foundation, thanked the 84 volunteer doctors and nurses headed by Dr. Victor L. Gisbert, president of the Makati Medical Center Foundation and surgery consultant to the Makati Medical Center, who have come to the province to conduct the screening of patients and the free surgical mission since 2017.
Benitez also cited the continuing support of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital chief Dr. Julius Drilon, Provincial Hospital chief Dr. Ma. Estrella Ledesma, Provincial Head of Hospital Operations Dr. Leonardo Eusebio, Representative Francisco Benitez, Representative Stephen Paduano, Silay City Mayor Mark Golez, Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares, and EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon
She also thanked the assistance of Provincial Board Member Juvy Pepello, Occidental Negros Host Lions Club, Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, Rural Health Units of Victorias, EB Magalona, Silay, Talisay, Murcia, the 5th and 6th Districts.
Nikki Cares top benefactor is former Congressman Alfredo "Albee" Benitez and now provincial economic affairs consultant.
The Nikki Cares Surgical Mission partners with the Makati Medical Center, Makati Medical Center Foundation, Betty Bantug Benitez Foundation and the 3rd Congressional District Office in seeking out indigent patients from all over the province to avail of the free medical operation. The project has reached the Lorenzo Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City, the Cadiz City District Hospital and the San Carlos City Hospital in 2018.
With the 5th surgical mission, Nikki Cares has now served a total of 1,223 beneficiaries from all over Negros Occidental.