KOROR, Palau – Over 100 Palauans received free, specialized medical care aboard the USNS Mercy hospital ship during its brief holiday visit, sparking hope and relief for many who lacked access to such services on the island nation.
From Dec. 21 to Jan 5, Mercy’s medical team performed surgeries in various specialties, including ear, nose, and throat (ENT), gynecology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, pediatrics, urology, vascular, and general surgery. These procedures, often unavailable or prohibitively expensive in Palau, offered a life-changing opportunity for patients struggling with ailments like cataracts, prostate issues, and other conditions.
One grateful patient, awaiting a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) to address urinary blockage, expressed relief at Mercy’s presence. “This would be costly if I were to go off-island for this treatment,” he shared.
Cmdr. Dr. Justin Nork, a urologist with the Mercy team, explained the TURP procedure as the “gold standard” for enlarged prostates, highlighting its prevalence during the mission. While five TURPs were scheduled in Palau, some patients with underlying health concerns couldn’t proceed.
Ophthalmology surgeon Cmdr. Dr. Gabriel Valerio proudly showcased a patient who regained sight after cataract surgery on both eyes. He explained the team’s prioritization of maximizing impact: “For humanitarian missions, we typically operate on one eye per patient to help as many as possible. But in this case, our schedule allowed for both eyes and her recovery has been excellent.”
The 70-year-old patient expressed her faith and trust in the treatment, attributing her healing to medical expertise and divine intervention. Witnessing her transformation, Captain Jeffrey H. Feinberg, commanding officer of the Mercy, emphasized the team’s satisfaction in providing such crucial services. “People have been really grateful, and we are very, very happy to provide that service,” he stated.
Beyond immediate medical care, the Mercy team engaged in capacity-building efforts, collaborating with local healthcare professionals like Dr. Maya from the Ministry of Health and Human Services. Captain Feinberg described this as the most enduring aspect of their mission: “That’s really what we love because that’s something that is enduring and keeps growing.”
The USNS Mercy visit to Palau formed part of the Pacific Partnership, an annual multinational humanitarian and disaster relief preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific region. This year’s mission focused on enhancing regional preparedness and response capabilities while providing essential medical services to communities in need.
For many Palauans, Mercy’s arrival brought physical healing, renewed hope, and a glimpse into a future with improved access to quality healthcare. As the ship departed, it left behind a legacy of medical aid, strengthened partnerships, and a testament to the power of international cooperation in times of need.