In a groundbreaking partnership aimed at improving healthcare access in remote areas of the Philippines, the NAC Foundation Inc. (NACFI)—the philanthropic arm of Nickel Asia Corporation—has signed a memorandum of understanding with St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation, Inc. (SLMCFI).
This collaboration will provide cutting-edge medical equipment and services, including a LigaSure surgical device valued at ₱1.5 million, for an upcoming joint medical mission in Borongan, Eastern Samar.
The LigaSure device employs advanced technology to seal blood vessels using electrical currents, significantly enhancing surgical efficiency.
“This particular machine cuts operating time by a third because there’s no need for suturing; much of it is cut and sealed. You can perform more surgeries, and the healing time is also reduced, allowing for an increased number of procedures,” explained Dr. Benjamin Campomanes Jr., president of SLMCFI.
This innovation promises to transform surgical care in underserved regions, making a tangible difference in patient recovery and overall healthcare quality.
The medical mission in Borongan City marks the beginning of a broader initiative aimed at providing essential healthcare services to remote communities.
Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone expressed his gratitude, stating, “On behalf of the province of Eastern Samar, I would like to thank the NAC family and the St. Luke’s family for this opportunity to provide our people with much-needed medical services. We are grateful and fully support this initiative.”
Following the mission in Borongan, NAC plans to extend its medical and surgical services to its operational areas in Surigao and Palawan, furthering its commitment to community health.
NAC president and CEO Martin Antonio Zamora emphasized the significance of this partnership in contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being, especially in underserved areas.
The impact of this collaboration is already being felt. Recently, NACFI and SLMCFI successfully conducted 216 ear, nose, and throat (ENT) consultations, along with surgical operations for seven major and four minor cases during a Specialty Mission.
Additionally, the St. Luke's Healthcare Academy provided a valuable lecture on Stroke and Coronary Artery Disease for nurses at the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital, further enhancing local healthcare expertise.
As the NAC Foundation and St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation continue their work together, they remain committed to making significant strides in promoting good health and well-being for all. This partnership stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing how collaboration can effectively address healthcare challenges and improve lives in communities across the Philippines.
