Makati to host Operation Smile surgical mission

The city government of Makati will host a five-day surgical mission of the Operation Smile Philippines (OSP) at the Acute Care Center (ACC)-Ospital ng Makati next month to help children with facial deformities.

The activity was organized after Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay granted the request of OSP managing director Jane Frances Buenaventura for free access to the operating room and ward facilities of the ACC — the country’s first medical facility dedicated solely to handling emergency cases.

"We are honored to be a partner in this noble undertaking of the Operation Smile Philippines. "Beyond making sweeter and brighter smiles possible for children with facial deformities that impede their normal growth, the mission gives them a fighting chance to grow into healthy and productive citizens," Binay said.

Operation Smile is a private, non-profit volunteer medical services organization that provides reconstructive surgery and related health care to indigent children and young adults afflicted with cleft lip or palate, facial tumors and other deformities.

Dr. Perry Peralta, ACC administrator, said the mayor has also allowed the OSP to use the center’s other support areas for registration and pre-screening of surgical candidates from October 10 to 14. The surgical mission will be held from October 17 to 21.

He said the registration is free and open to all residents and non-residents of Makati. However, minors must be accompanied by a parent or an adult guardian.

Based on an evaluation conducted by the OSP medical team, qualified beneficiaries will be scheduled for operation on designated periods during the five-day mission to ensure efficient operations for ACC in accordance with its primary mandate.

"Training doctors of Makati’s free-standing emergency care unit as well as its base hospital in Barangay Pembo have the opportunity to assist the OSP surgical team in the reconstructive procedures, and thus gain exposure to these specialized interventions," Peralta added. – Rhodina Villanueva