The  Nikki Cares surgical mission, which took place from September 24 to 28 at the Teresita L. Jalandoni Memorial Provincial Hospital in Silay City, treated 349 patients, who received a variety of procedures.
The mission, organized by the wife of former Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez, Dominique ‘Nikki’ Lopez Benitez, gathers surgeons from Makati Medical Center to conduct free medical services.
During an earlier pre-screening, patients were assessed for treatments for hernia, gallstones, ovarian cysts, cleft lip and palate, myoma, hemorrhoids, polyps, goiter, among other conditions.
The project is supported by the Silay City government; Negros Occidental provincial government; Teresita L. Jalandoni Memorial Provincial Hospital director, Dr. Ma. Estrella Ledesma; the Betty Bantug Benitez Foundation, and the office of Negros Occidental third district Rep. Francisco Benitez.
The most recent event is the fifth surgical mission conducted by the organization./WDJ