MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Medical Team left today for Africa to provide free medical services to the citizens of Patigi and Lafiagi in Nigeria.

The team of 15 people includes physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, opthamologist, pharmacist, agriculturalist with experience in repairs, and a pre-med college student.

The City of Moses Lake and Patigi began a companion city relationship last year. In addition to helping people in the companion city, doctors will also help those in Lafiagi, which is another large city in Nigeria.

The team managed to raise the $7,000 they needed to purchase prescription medication to distribute. The Lions Club donated about 1,250 pairs of eyeglasses to help. The group plans to see between 6,000 and 7,000 patients and expects to perform about 100 surgeries.

The team will also explore the potential for clean water, sanitation and agricultural projects.

They will also distribute information about performing the Heimlich maneuver and CPR, and methods to maintain hydration.

The team will work in at Patigi General Hospital, a refurbished medical center that was re-opened since the last team visit.

Since its opening, there is a medical staff on hand that has cared for more than 100,000 people.

Team member Dr. James Irwin said with the help of service groups such as the Lions, Kiwanis and the Moses Lake Rotary Club and individual donations, they were able to raise about $10,000.

“We just greatly appreciate the support we’ve received from the community,” he said. “The Lions Club has been very, very supportive as have all the service clubs.”

For more information about the organization, visit www.mlmt.org.