VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — More than 1,500 residents received free and essential medical, surgical, and dental services during a mission hosted by the Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital-Gabriela Silang (ISPH-GS) in partnership with the Canadian Medical Mission Society (CMMS) from Feb.17 to 21.
The CMMS is conducting its second mission at the hospital in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
This follows their inaugural mission at the same facility, where they provided a range of medical services, including minor and major surgeries, dental care, audiology, and ophthalmology.
These missions are designed to offer free medical services to indigent patients, with a focus on surgical interventions.
The CMMS collaborates closely with local government units and hospitals to ensure the necessary equipment and facilities are available for their comprehensive services.
The ISPH-GS meanwhile is a nationally recognized hospital, originally established as the Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital and later converted into the Gabriela Silang General Hospital under Republic Act No. 4308.
During the free consultation and services, doctors performed 35 major surgeries, including hernia repairs, tumor and cyst removals, gallbladder surgeries, and treatment for swollen veins.
In addition, volunteer doctors and nurses from CMMS carried out 77 minor surgeries and 597 dental procedures.
They also offered consultations and care to 211 children, 198 residents with hearing issues, and 466 patients with eye or vision problems.
Rosie Villanueva, a resident of Bantay, Ilocos Sur, who availed of the dental services, expressed her gratitude to the provincial government for initiating the program.
“This means a lot for people like me who cannot afford to regularly have their teeth cleaned and repaired due to financial constraints–this medical mission at least lessens the stress of getting essential healthcare,” she said.
According to Governor Jerry Singson, this mission was provided for the residents to aid in their medical needs as part of their continuous public service.
“The Gabriela Silang have leveled up because we have all the necessary equipment–magnetic resonance imaging, mammogram, ultrasound, CT-scan, dialysis machine, and others,” Singson said.
During the 5-day mission, staff of the provincial government also provided hot meals and water to the patients who were in the queues.
Moreover, the ISPH-Gabriela Silang expressed their gratitude to the CMMS in an official post stating that they have provided invaluable service and dedication by bringing not only essential medical care but also hope and healing to those in need.
The hospital administration welcomes any organization willing to carry out their mission within the facility, recognizing that such efforts will greatly benefit the province, especially those in need.(CCMT/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)
