TALAUD, INDONESIA (June 9, 2012) - Pacific Partnership 2012 personnel are providing medical care to hundreds in a remote village in Talaud, Indonesia.

During the three-day Medical Civil Assistance Program (MEDCAP) medical, dental and optometry care will be provided to the citizens of Talaud, Indonesia.

US Navy doctor Lt. Cmdr. Valerie Tokarz said Pacific Partnership (PP12) medical personnel will be working alongside their local counterparts to provide care to patients in the area.

“We are working alongside host nation specialists to coordinate care and prepare in case an emergency ever arises in the future,” Tokarz said.

“We plan to exchange practice techniques in the medical, dental and optometry fields.

“Everyone seems very excited to gain information, as will as give information to provide the maximum amount of medical care now, and lasting medical care into the future.”

Tokarz said care provided includes medication, vitamins, general check-ups, dental extractions and general care.

Glasses will also be given to those who need them.

“There are going to be a lot of kids there, so we are going to be providing multi-vitamins and anti-parasite medication, as well as other medications as they are needed,” Tokarz said.

She added they are expecting to treat approximately 350 patients per day.

“The goal is to treat as many people as we can from the area,” she said.

“It is an honor to be able to treat such a humble and welcoming group of people.”

This MEDCAP is one of many that will be provided to host nations throughout the duration of Pacific Partnership 2012.

Now in its seventh year, Pacific Partnership is a humanitarian and civil assistance mission U.S. military, host and partner nations, non-governmental organizations and international agencies designed to create strong relationships and disaster response capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.

For more information about the PP12 mission, please visit the Pacific Partnership Blog or engage with Pacific Partnership on Facebook and Twitter.