The nursing students who have been participating in the outreach say it also provides them with hands-on training.
On Sunday, more than 70 residents from As Matuis, Tanapag and San Roque availed of the medical services offered by the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ 4th Watch on Saipan.
Church pastor Claire Javillonar said it is their 10th year of medical outreach on island but the first conducted outside the church.
The outreach was conducted at the Tanapag basketball court.
“The response of the people was overwhelming,” Javillonar said.
The church holds the medical mission every month in different villages. In March, the church will provide health services in Garapan.
Hervin Jacinto, a nursing student of Northern Marianas College, said 17 of them joined the outreach as part of their community health services.
He said each of them must provide 20 hours of health service every semester.
“We have also been reporting to the hospital. We have experience but we need to learn more,” Jacinto said.
The medical mission helps the students enhance their skills, including their ability to communicate and interact with patients, he added.
Besa Bautista, one of those who of availed the services, was very thankful. “I could have spent a lot if I paid for all of those services,” she said.
She had her blood sugar and blood pressure checked. She also had a haircut, eye screening, facial massage, reflexology and spiritual counseling.
Church spokesman Ronnie Doca said they utilized their members for such services as massage and reflexology.
The church also distributed health items to the participants.
After the medical mission, the church held its evangelism program.
The medical mission is part of the Global Ministry of the Pentecostal Church of Christ.
