1,200 troop to Basilica's first medical mission

CEBU, Philippines — The Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu considered the Socio Pastoral Apostolate's first ever Grand Medical Mission "Halad ni Niño Alang Kaninyo" yesterday at the church's pilgrim center ground a success.

Leah Gamutan, in-charge of the Basilica's Medical Clinic, said they only expected about a thousand patients to avail of the free services, yet about 700 patients who pre-registered and around 500 walk-in patients came.

About 150 doctors, nurses and first aiders volunteered for the medical mission.

Their services include minor surgical procedures, breast screening, digital rectal exam, pediatric consultation, dental check and extraction, eye checks, hearing check, mental health check, medical check-up with free blood sugar check, pap smear, free haircut and reflexology services, feeding program for the kids, scoliosis screening, play therapy for kids with disabilities and operation "tuli."

However, eye checks were postponed and rescheduled due to an emergency operation that the volunteer doctor has to attend to.

Rotary Club-Metro Cebu, Operating Room Nurses Association in the Philippines, Inc.-Cebu Chapter, Juanito King Foundation and the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño Medical Team spearheaded the event.

Medical and nursing schools from University of the Visayas, Southwestern University (SWU) and the University of San Carlos also participated in the activity.

"Kung naa sila'y gipaminaw, duol lang sila kay naa may mga tawo nga willing motabang. Di lang sila magduha-duha," said Myrene Sumando, a fourth year medical student volunteer from SWU.

Gamutan also said that they have plans of doing another medical mission next year.

"Karon, it's only one month preparation, mao na nga nagyagaw pa mi. Probably, naa mi next year, well-planned na siguro," Gamutan added.

The medical mission opened from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. yesterday. — Kris Imea Ruales, UV AB English Intern/GAN (FREEMAN)