CEBU, Philippines — Over 120 patients with obstetrics and gynaecological conditions were among the beneficiaries of the ninth surgical charity mission of Chong Hua Hospital (CHH) in Cebu City.
Most of the patients who availed of the free surgery had suffered from myoma, breast cysts, and cervical ailments, among others.
CHH focused on women’s health for this year’s second surgical mission, which was conducted on April 29.
Doctor Gary Galon, CHH Surgical Charity Mission chairperson, said the program was created with the intention of reaching out to less privileged patients.
“Our priority are those who can’t afford to pay for a surgery,” he said.
CHH shoulders all expenses from evaluation, diagnosis, treatment to post-operation medicines.
On Monday, 125 pre-registered patients underwent consultation, birth canal examination, ultrasound and pap smear.
Based on the results, the doctors ranked the severity of the condition of the patient to determine who needs urgent attention.
Galon said some patients were already given a schedule for their next check-up while some were scheduled for surgery.
Doctor Helen Po, chief operating officer of the two Chong Hua Hospitals, in an earlier interview, said CHH allotted P30 to P50 million for the two-day mission.
Over 300 patients with orthopedic conditions benefited from the first day of the surgical mission on April 6.
Galon said 70 doctors and volunteers lent a helping hand to make the charity project possible.
CHH partnered with the Unique Charitable Institution, Cebu Filipino-Chinese Fire Brigade, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine National Police for this year’s mission.
The mission started nine years ago when the late Lim Liu headed Benevola.
“The mission is part of the hospital’s corporate goal to give back to the community,” said Galon. —Hanna D. Tejada, USC Intern KBQ (FREEMAN)