The Department of Health (DOH) – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) provided a total of 121 surgical operations, including 70 minor cases and 51 major cases since the start DOH Surgical Caravan dubbed as “ToDOH Alaga, May TSekAP Na, May Operasyon Pa!” on July 13, 2017 at the Dr. Damian Reyes Provincial Hospital in Boac, Marinduque.
“Now that we have proven that we can provide free surgical operations and addressed the health needs at no cost to our indigent patients, we will sustain this project until all the people requiring various kinds of surgery in the region will be provided for and taken care of,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated during the local health systems recognition rites held at the Century Park Hotel on October 23, 2017.
To date, the surgical caravan has catered a total of 38 minor and 12 major surgeries in Marinduque with 58 patients referred to Rizal Medical Center (RMC) who completed their surgical operations; Oriental Mindoro has completed a total of 21 minor and 36 major surgeries and 3 referrals to Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC); Palawan has 11 minor and 3 major cases with 6 referrals to Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) including 2 major cases for major surgery at the Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital (CSGH).
According to Janairo, screening and pre-assessment of patients are still on-going in the provinces of Romblon and Occidental Mindoro. Surgical services will then be scheduled for patients in these areas after they are diagnosed.
Among the services and surgeries provided were removal of giant tumor, goiter, osteoma, hypospadias, fistula, nasal polyps and colon mass, thyroidectomy, hernia, cholecystectomy, hydrocelectomy, removal of cyst, lipoma, breast mass and skin tag.
Janairo assured that expenses of identified patients for surgery will be covered by various government agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development-MIMAROPA, Philhealth and the DOH Medical Assistance Program including laboratory and diagnostic procedures, drugs, medicines, supplies, and professional fees incurred before and after the operation.
“The realization of the surgical caravan is due to the unwavering commitment and selfless dedication of all stakeholders, including members of the visiting hospitals, staff of host hospitals and the local government units of MIMAROPA who were instrumental in the success of this project.” Janairo emphasized.
