01/08/2025
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As part of her commitment to improving healthcare services for Cebuanos, Governor Pamela Baricuatro announced that the Province of Cebu will conduct a series of major and minor surgical missions throughout August as part of the activities lined up in celebration of the provinceโs 456th Founding Anniversary.
In a press briefing on July 30, Governor Baricuatro said the provinceโs Serbisyo Karaban next month will focus on medical and surgical missions held every weekend, particularly in key areas such as the islands of Bantayan and Camotes, and the four provincial hospitals in the cities of Bogo, Danao, Carcar, and the town of Balamban.
โThese are not just ordinary medical missionsโthese will include surgical procedures,โ the governor said.
Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, Capitol piso consultant for health, detailed the procedures to be offered during the missions.
Here is the schedule for the Medical and Surgical Missions:
August 7โ8 โ Poro and Pilar in Camotes Islands (in coordination with PhilHealth Konsulta)
August 9โ10 โ Cebu Provincial Hospital โ Bogo (in partnership with Cebu Doctorsโ University Hospital, SuiGeneris Inc., and the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation)
August 15โ16 โ Bantayan District Hospital
August 16โ17 โ Cebu Provincial Hospital โ Danao (in partnership with Chong Hua Hospital and University of Cebu Medical Center)
August 23โ24 โ Cebu Provincial Hospital โ Balamban (with All- Terrain Medical Relief Organization)
August 30โ31 โ Cebu Provincial Hospital โ Carcar (in partnership with Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center)
Major surgeries will include thyroid and breast surgery, hernia repair, gastrostomy, peri-a**l abscess treatment, gallbladder surgery, a**l fistula and hemorrhoid surgery, orthopedic procedures, and parotid gland (bayook) removal. Minor surgeries will focus on the removal of cysts or small growths (bukol-bukol or bugon).
Dr. Catalan described the initiative as a large-scale effort that prioritizes surgical services alongside medical consultations.
She also highlighted the involvement of highly qualified volunteer doctors who are eager to extend help to underserved communities.Each mission aims to accommodate at least 30 surgical patients per site, with more slots available for medical consultations. Interested patients are advised to coordinate with the nearest Capitol-run hospital or their local government unit for pre-screening.
Priority will be given to indigent patients.Dr. Catalan also appealed for public understanding, anticipating a large number of patients who may not be accommodated due to limited slots.
โMangayo lang mig pasensya daan kay Iโm pretty sure daghan gyod ni moduol at the same time,โ Dr. Catalan said.
While recognizing that medical missions are temporary solutions to gaps in the provinceโs healthcare system, Dr. Catalan expressed hope that the Capitol will be able to sustain the program in the long run with the necessary funding and institutional support. โ
"Missions are stop-gap solutions kay kuwang paman gud ta in healthcare services. So for the meantime, kato gyong urgently naa, unta matagaan,โ she said. | ๐ช๐๐๐ ๐ท๐ฐ๐ถ
