Pedia-Cardio screening (Photo: PIA Northern Samar)
CATARMAN, Northern Samar (PIA) — A total of 100 children with congenital heart diseases and Down syndrome underwent pediatric cardiology screening at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital.
Some of these children were endorsed for surgery, but only 25 children whose parents confirmed and agreed to the operation procedure will be given priority.
This initiative is part of the Philippine Heart Month and National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Dr. John Ezekiel Valera, Chief of the Health Services Delivery Division at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital, emphasized the urgent need to improve health outcomes for children due to a shortage of pediatric cardiology specialists in the province.
Gera Mae Berbosa, a mother of an infant with a congenital heart condition, expressed gratitude for the provision of free specialized medical treatment.
She noted that her family’s resources were insufficient to transport the child to a more advanced medical facility.
The parents of children scheduled for surgery received assurance of support from the National Children’s Hospital, Delos Santos Medical Center, Office of Congressman Paul Daza, Rotary Club of Makati, Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Diseases, and other partners involved in pediatric cardiac screenings.
Dr. Joseph Estanislao, chief of NSPH, confirmed that the hospital will maintain its partnership with the facility in Manila to continue regular medical missions focused on children with heart diseases. (AND, PIA Northern Samar)
