Naga healthcare program set to benefit indigent women

CEBU, Philippines - The Naga City government is giving a toast to indigent women by partnering with a group of obstetrician-gynecologists for the implementation of a healthcare program.

Mayor City Valdemar Chiong encouraged indigent woman patients to take advantage of the city's free cervical cancer screening and prenatal services exclusive to its residents on Sunday at the City Hall.

Chiong's information officer Garry Cabotaje said the city government, through the city-run Don Vicente Mendiola Memorial Medical Center, has partnered with the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society for the program.

Cabotaje said the cervical cancer screening for ages 21 to 65 years old will be held at the City Hall Multi-Purpose Hall A while prenatal services with free ultrasound, if necessary, will be at the City Councilors' Office.

There will also be orientation on teenage pregnancy for out-of- school youth, Cabotaje added.

City nutrition program coordinator Dolorita Nietes said this is the first time the city has linked with POGS for the holding of free health care services. The undertaking was supposed to be held during the observance of the 2014 Women's Month Celebration last March.

"This is a great privilege for [the city, economically speaking], because our only contribution is to provide the venue and food for POGS doctors and health volunteers," she said.

Nietes said patients who have been examined with cervical ovarian cyst and myoma by the ob-gynecologist may avail of a free surgery at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and Cebu Maternity Hospital in Cebu City.

She advised them to see Dr. Porferia G. Daclan of the City Health Office or call 273-7400 for scheduling.

The cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV which is the most common sexually-transmitted infection in both men and women.

HPV is highly transmissible and may lead not only to cervical cancer but also to cancer of the vulva, vagina and anus, and head and neck cancers, as well as genital warts.

Easily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, HPV infection can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular cervical cancer screening.

According to the DOH, HPV vaccination can help protect against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases in both men and women.

Secondary prevention through regular screening every one to three years can help detect cervical cancer in its early stage and increases the chances of survival. — (FREEMAN)