The Department of Health (DOH) – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) in partnership with Rizal Medical Center (RMC) today completed its post-surgical activity evaluation and assessment of 91 patients who have undergone operation at the Dr. Damian Reyes Provincial Hospital in Marinduque from July 10-15, 2017.
“This surgical caravan is greatly anticipated aspiration for 20 million Filipinos who are in need of various kinds of surgeries in country. Their medical needs can now be addressed immediately at no cost to our indigent patients,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated during the launching of the DOH Surgical Caravan dubbed as “ToDOH Alaga, May TSekAP Na, May Operasyon Pa!” on July 13, 2017 at the Dr. Damian Reyes Provincial Hospital in Boac, Marinduque.
“These patients were pre-identified and profiled during the TSEKAP (Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya) assessment and evaluation last September which was conducted in various municipalities of the region.
A total of 12 major surgeries were done in Marinduque; 5- thyroidectomy, 6 – hernia and 1 – hydrocoelectomy. There were 31 minor surgeries provided including removal of cyst, lipoma, breast mass and skin tag; 42 referral/transfer cases ranging from giant tumor, goiter, osteoma, hypospadias, fistula in ano, nasal polyps and colon mass; and 3 emergencies and 3 in-patient’s referrals.
According to Director Janairo, the government allocated three billion pesos under the 2017 General Appropriations Act for the surgical caravan which will move around the country.
Visiting hospitals who will provide medical support and assistance in other provinces includes Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) which will serve in Oriental and Occidental Mindoro; Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital and Ospital ng Palawan in Palawan; and Rizal Medical Center in Romblon.
Surgical procedures in these provinces will be held in the following hospitals, Occidental Mindoro Provincial Hospital in Occidental Mindoro; Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital in Oriental Mindoro; Romblon Provincial Hospital in Romblon; and Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital and Ospital ng Palawan in Palawan.
Patient’s expenses will be covered by Philhealth and the DOH Medical Assistance Program including laboratory and diagnostic procedures, drugs, medicines, supplies, and professional fees incurred before and after the operation.
“This is one of the guarantees of the Duterte Administration under the Philippine Health Agenda Program to deliver free medical interventions and ensure the public of easy access to high quality services,” Janairo concluded.