04/09/2025
Nuvance Health has received a transformative $1.1 million gift to establish a new Global Health site in the Philippines — making the country the ninth global partner in the nonprofit health system’s expanding international network.
This landmark collaboration, in partnership with Bicol University and the Floating Clinic, will expand healthcare education, strengthen access and bring vital services to island communities in need.
“This generous gift is more than financial support — it’s a powerful symbol of our shared humanity,” said John M. Murphy, MD, President and CEO of Nuvance Health. “It enables us to bring essential healthcare and education to some of the world’s most underserved regions, while also investing in capacity building at Bicol University and enriching the learning journey of our future healthcare leaders.”
The donor family from Ridgefield, Conn., who wish to remain anonymous, have been longtime supporters of Danbury Hospital initiatives, including nursing scholarships and global health programs. With roots in the Philippines, the family’s passion lies in uplifting their home communities through improved access to healthcare and education.
In February, representatives from Nuvance Health traveled to the Philippines to sign the official partnership agreement and visit the project sites, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter in addressing global health disparities.
Related content: Nuvance Health announces multi-year gift from Linde to support Global Health Program and conference
The Floating Clinic Project
At the core of this partnership is The Floating Clinic Project in the Philippines, a mobile healthcare initiative designed to reach isolated island provinces. The project will:
- Deploy boats transformed into floating clinics equipped for primary care, minor surgeries and diagnostic services to the provinces of the Bicol Region.
- Establish anchor stations to support continuous medical operations.
- Deliver regular health education, nutrition and outreach programs to underserved communities in the remote island villages.
This healthcare delivery model was conceived by German Agravante, MD, founder and executive director of The Floating Clinic, who has dedicated his medical career to expanding healthcare access in remote island areas, where he was also raised.
“The Floating Clinic represents a model of equitable access to healthcare in the most remote locations of the Bicol region and will also serve as a platform for global health education,” said Bulat Ziganshin, MD, Ph.D, Christian J. Trefz & Family Endowed Chair in Global Health and executive director of Global Health at Nuvance Health. “Together, with our local partners, we are setting a precedent for community-driven, sustainable healthcare delivery to the local residents who would otherwise not have access to care.”
Related content: Longtime Nuvance Health donors support public health at home and abroad
A multilateral vision of health and education
Founded in 2012 by Majid Sadigh, MD, in partnership with the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, the Nuvance Health Global Health Program has grown to include partner sites in eight countries, including Armenia, Botswana, Dominican Republic, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
The program’s expansion to the Philippines represents a new frontier in medical and nursing education, global health and international solidarity. The recently established Majid Sadigh, MD Global Health Academy at Nuvance Health, through its Global Health Scholars Program, is dedicated to preparing emerging leaders to tackle health disparities through education, meaningful collaboration and community-focused service.
This global health partnership was made possible through a strong collaboration with Bicol University, led by university President Benjamin Nebres, Ph.D, Ofelia Samar-Sy, MD, Dean of the College of Medicine, and Jean Ibo, Ph.D, RN, Dean of the College of Nursing. Their visionary leadership has been instrumental in aligning academic, public health and clinical goals to maximize the project’s long-term impact on both communities and students.
“This partnership in the Philippines represents a full-circle moment — uniting our donor to his roots, supporting innovative programs and advancing global health education” said Jasper Erwin Tolarba, DNP, RN, Beatrice Hofstadter White Endowed Chair for Nursing Education and Research and Associate Director for Global Health Nursing at Nuvance Health. “As a native of the region, I’m deeply honored to help lead this effort, knowing it will inspire hope and deliver much-needed, basic healthcare services to island communities.”
This historic global health initiative is a testament to what is possible when generosity, vision and global partnerships converge. It not only transforms lives in remote communities but also shapes the future of global health and healthcare education.
Learn more about global health at Nuvance Health.