ALABAT, Quezon (PIA) – Health remains the top priority program of the provincial government of Quezon as they continue to reach remote and far-flung towns in the province through its “Lingap sa Mamamayan, Libreng Gamutan” program.

The program, instituted under the administration of Quezon Governor Angelina Helen Tan aims to provide equitable, efficient, and effective healthcare services through collaborative efforts with various partners in the national government, LGUs, and civil society groups.

In the initial medical mission, 7,793 residents of Alquerez Island in the town of Alabat benefited from free medical check-up and consultation, reproductive health implants and consultation, cervical cancer screening, breast screening exam, physical therapy, circumcision, tooth extraction, minor surgeries, eye check-up, ultrasound and laboratory procedures, and vaccination.

Bringing healthcare services directly to these areas ensures that residents who have limited access to medical facilities can still receive the urgent care they need.

To ensure that residents who need specialized or additional medical care beyond what is provided in the mission can still access the necessary treatments or medications, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) provides financial aid for patients in need and has distributed 55,000 medicines for all patients.

To Sarah Jane Luna, one of the beneficiaries of the program, she is grateful for the assistance that she and her family received and expressed her gratitude to the provincial government of Quezon for visiting their island which is often not included in various medical missions.

"Gov. Doctora Helen Tan, I thank you because you have visited us here in Alabat Island and I was one of those who received medical help from your program. I also got a chance to have my children checked up for free because of you,” she said.

Meanwhile, Governor Tan ensures that every town in the province will benefit from the program and no one will be left behind. 

Tan then commended the efforts by their partners who remain committed to leveraging resources and expertise are vital for fostering community resilience and overall development through their healthcare initiatives.

"We can't always do this every month because our province is huge, but we have set up a patient navigation system, the referral system here in Alquerez, so even without our presence here, they will not feel neglected," the governor said. (RO,AM/PIA-Quezon; with reports from Provincial Government of Quezon)