Residents of Sultan Kudarat packed the provincial gymnasium to take advantage of the numerous surgical and dental services provided by a medical mission organized by the provincial government in partnership with the Tzu Chi Foundation. (Photo by PIA Region 12)
ISULAN, SULTAN KUDARAT (PIA) -- Thousands of Sultan Kudarat residents received free surgical, dental, and medical care from the recent medical mission in the province.
The provincial government has collaborated with the Tzu Chi Foundation Inc. and SOCSKSARGEN Masonic Foundation Inc. to provide its constituents with free adult and pediatric examinations, tooth extractions, medications, and surgery.
“The medical mission is in line with Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu’s mandate to promote outpatient services and focus on prevention,” Sultan Kudarat executive director for health affairs Dave Bella said.
Bella said that at least 4,348 individuals benefited from different medical services during the three-day activity.
This included patients who underwent surgeries for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder), mastectomy (breast), thyroidectomy (goiter), herniorrhaphy (hernia), cyst removals, and others.
Bella added that the medical mission involved over a hundred surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists, nurses, and volunteers from the Tzu Chi Foundation, a humanitarian non-governmental organization that supports communities affected by disasters and poverty.
Dr. Anton Mari Lim, deputy chief executive officer of the Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, expressed joy for helping many people suffering from treatable diseases during a recent medical mission in Sultan Kudarat. (Screen grab from the video of the Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines)
Dr. Anton Mari Lim, deputy chief executive officer of Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, disclosed that the medical mission in Sultan Kudarat was one of the biggest medical missions they conducted in the country.
“We are happy to be here in Sultan Kudarat. So far, we have had 262 missions since 1995, and this is the biggest support we have received. This is really something very special,” said Lim.
Lim then highlighted the impact of the mission, especially on patients who have long suffered from treatable conditions.
“They’re very grateful to us. Some have been living with goiter for 20–25 years because they always sacrifice themselves for the future of their kids. And just imagine us sacrificing a little of our time, but the impact of this will last a lifetime,” he noted.
Pedro Piagoda Jr., one of the recipients of the Tzu Chi medical mission in Sultan Kudarat, said he was grateful to the province and the Tzu Chi Foundation for the opportunity to avail of the operation for his illness. He pointed out that the medical mission was very helpful to the people who could not possibly afford to undergo such an operation in tertiary hospitals. (Screen grab from the video of the Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines)
For Pedro Piagoda Jr., the medical mission provided much-needed relief and reprieve.
He has been living with a hernia for some time now and was able to get a free surgical operation for his medical condition.
"Maraming salamat po sa mga doctors, volunteers, taos-puso po kaming nagpapasalamat. Pinadala po kayo ng panginoon para madugtungan ang buhay ng mga katulad naming at mga tao sa Sultan Kudarat. You are a big blessing,” Piagoda said, as he expressed appreciation and joy.
[Thank you very much to the doctors and volunteers; we are sincerely grateful. The Lord sent you to connect the lives of people like us in Sultan Kudarat.]
With the success of the medical mission, the provincial government highlighted the importance of prevention and early detection in healthcare.
“We urge residents to visit the nearest medical facility in their area for regular check-ups. The same concept applies to this medical mission, the outpatient services provided by the provincial government of Sultan Kudarat are totally free,” the provincial executive director for health added. (ORVR - PIA Sultan Kudarat)
