BC Minister of Health Pledges $25,000 to Local Mission Group
The Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver was abuzz with activity last Sunday, November 21, 2010, where The Canadian Medical Mission Society (CMMS) held its inaugural gala event. The evening featured a mix of entertainment, silent and live auctions where paintings from local artists were showcased.
The CMMS is a non-profit Society registered in Victoria in May 2010 and was organized to undertake medical missions in third world countries. It has set a goal of promoting the well-being of indigent patients by providing free medical, surgical, dental as well as hearing test services.
The Hon. Kevin Falcon, Minister of Health, was the Keynote speaker where he commended the CMMS organizers for their efforts in reaching out to the marginalized sectors of the society, especially in South-East Asian countries, who cannot afford medical, surgical and dental treatments. The highlight of the evening was the announcement by the Health Minister of a $25,000.00 grant from the BC government which will be earmarked towards the acquisition of equipment and other medical supplies that will be needed by the CMMS in its medical mission projects. The BC Nurses Union opened the door for this generous pledge from the Minister of Health, with its own donation of $2,500.00. The group was represented by Debra McPherson, BCNU president.
The initial medical mission is set in early February 2011 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur and in Tarlac City, Province of Tarlac. Planning has been underway since August 2010 and the Provincial governments of Ilocos Sur and Tarlac have also pledged their support to the mission by way of providing medical assessment and operating rooms for the use of the CMMS medical team as well as free pre-surgical tests for the indigent patients. The medical team will endeavor to provide diagnosis and surgical treatment of Head and Neck conditions. Dental examination and treatment as well as hearing tests and necessary hearing aids will also be provided. The mission will also dispense necessary medications to patients who are unable to afford them.
The many volunteer nurses and allied medical workers have been collecting donations of medical supplies needed for the medical mission, from local hospitals in the Lower Mainland and several doctors from the community have donated “sample” medications from various pharmaceutical companies.
The Canadian Medical Mission Society has just begun its charitable endeavor and the work ahead is vast. The volunteers who have come forward to share their technical expertise, talent and time are tirelessly forging ahead to carry-out the CMMS mission of “Bringing Hope for Better Health” to the less fortunate. The founders and volunteers are confident that their efforts will be matched by the local community and they can also support the cause that CMMS has embraced.