MANILA — Operating room personnel from the Philippine and United States navies have performed cataract surgery at Basilan General Hospital during a free medical clinic offered by the two militaries to local residents. U.S. and Philippine medical specialists spent two days performing free cataract surgery on patients in the area who could not otherwise afford the procedure.
The Philippine and U.S. navies conducted the free Medical Civic Action Project (MEDCAP) during the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise series, an annual bilateral training exercise that ran this year from May 31 June 8.
The United States and six Southeast Asian nations participate in CARAT each year. The maritime training is designed to build relationships and enhance the ability of our nations to work together in maritime situations ranging from natural disasters to interception of criminals and terrorists. The CARAT exercise also focuses on relationship building through social and community service events such as providing free medical, dental, and veterinary care in host communities an integral part of the long partnership between our countries.
This year during CARAT, in addition to providing free medical care to local residents, U.S. and Philippine sailors also visited the Boalan Elementary School in Zamboanga to donate sports equipment, books, food, and hygiene materials, and also provided donations to a local orphanage. Additionally, U.S. and Philippine military doctors and medical personnel use this unique opportunity to learn techniques and procedures from one another, thereby improving the care provided to all patients.
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