(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
TACLOBAN CITY — About 160 patients from different towns in Northern Samar received free medical and surgical services during a two-day outreach mission organized by the World Surgical Foundation Philippines in partnership with the provincial government.
Held in coordination with the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital, the mission carried out 138 surgical procedures, including 54 major operations, 69 minor procedures, and 15 arteriovenous fistula surgeries.
Patients were treated for various conditions such as thyroid disorders, tumors, hernia, hemorrhoids, infections, gallbladder inflammation, and congenital diseases like Hirschsprung’s disease. All beneficiaries were also provided with free medicines for post-operative care.
The medical mission brought together specialists from the Philippine College of Surgeons, Philippine Society of Anesthesiologists, and the Operating Room Nurses Association of the Philippines, along with local health workers.
Before the activity concluded on March 20, medical teams conducted post-operative rounds, monitored recovery, and instructed families on proper wound care and medication management. Some patients were discharged, while others remained under hospital observation.
Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan expressed gratitude to the medical teams for their service, saying the mission provided life-changing healthcare to residents in need.
Hospital officials said patients who were not accommodated during the mission will be scheduled for follow-up surgeries in the coming weeks.
The provincial government said it aims to continue similar partnerships to further expand access to specialized healthcare services in Northern Samar.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
