A four-day free eye screening, cataract and pterygium operations is happening at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu (BMSN). The screening started yesterday, November 26, 2018, for the first batch of prospective patients. The activity is in partnership with the Rotary Club of Metro Cebu- District 3860, Philippines.

Rotary Club of Metro Cebu, the lead organizer of the medical mission, is an international humanitarian action group that helps a number of people especially the poor and the needy who do not have enough financial capacity to provide for their medical needs.

According to the President of the Rotary Club, Robert “Tito” Pacana, they want to maintain this apostolate because there is a need to help the less-privileged.

Pacana added that this is the first time the organization collaborated with the Basilica as a venue for the hearing check-up and eye operation. It was in May that the Rotary also conducted a medical mission that varied from operation tuli, minor surgical procedures, pediatric consultation and more.

The activity is realized through collaborating with the BMSN Medical team headed by Lea Fe Gamutan, head nurse of the BMSN First Aid Clinic.

Other participating organizations are taking part of the activity including the Raise Me Up (RMU) organization who usually promotes the spiritual life of the people through conducting recollections but at this time, they want to reach out to the less privileged in order to provide medical care to people.

Eye and Hear Foundation, Inc., an NGO from Bacolod City, is also supporting the operation, which is headed by Executive Director, Rebie O. Relaton.

The project is classified as Disease and Prevention Treatment Project that falls under one of the organization’s six areas of focus.

The screening of cataract patients is extended until tomorrow while the cataract operation is ongoing at the Aula Magna Hall of the Sto. Niño Pilgrim Center. It will culminate on November 29, 2018 through inviting the patients to come back and be present in the simultaneous unveiling of their bandage contact lens. /Analyn Conocono and Anamarie Nanol, USJ-R Communication Interns