LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – A surgical mission delivered free medical services to approximately 600 patients from across Ilocos Norte, addressing a wide range of health needs and fostering long-term community well-being.
The initiative, made possible through the collaboration of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), the Sinagtala Medical Association, and the Good Hope Future Foundation, aimed to highlight the importance of accessible health care for underprivileged communities.
The outreach program provided free medical services, including mental health forums for adolescents, psychiatric consultations, eye check-ups with complimentary glasses, and surgeries for conditions such as hernia, cataracts, cysts, goiter, myoma, cleft lip, breast mass, vasectomy, gallstones, hemorrhoids, hysterectomy, and other eye disorders at the Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital (GRBASMH).
The mission also sought to educate the outpatient community on managing mental and psychosocial well-being, with a special focus on strengthening youth mental health, particularly at Ilocos Norte National High School (INNHS).
Boardmember Medeldorf Gaoat confirmed during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session on March 24 that the activity successfully conducted 40 major surgical operations, 70 minor operations, and provided approximately 500 free ophthalmology check-ups, along with distributing free reading glasses.
Psychiatrist Maria Madeline Baylon-Mallillin from the Sinagtala Medical Association, one of the speakers during the lay forum that discussed mental health, emphasized the significance of knowledge and empowerment for the beneficiaries.
“The benefit for recipients is empowerment through knowledge. They gain confidence in handling situations, make informed decisions, and can share their insights to help others,” she said.
Meanwhile, Irene Enriquez, an ophthalmologist from the Sinagtala Medical Association, underscored the educational aspect of the mission.
“We have included lay forums because it’s not just about providing medical attention. It’s about educating everyone—the general public, hospital staff, and local government units (LGUs)—so they can help disseminate information,” she said.
Among the beneficiaries was Thelma Palaspas, a resident of Brgy. 35 in Laoag City, who availed of the free eye check-up service during the activity.
“I brought my mother to this free medical service because we cannot afford an eye check-up, especially since I am a solo parent and a seamstress. I am thankful because I was one of the recipients; ‘Hope Shines’ [surgical mission] is really a source of hope for me to see better,” she remarked.
The mission not only provided direct medical interventions but also aimed to create long-term health awareness in the community. (AMB/EJFG/GEM, PIA Ilocos Norte)
