Health professionals conduct medical mission

Around 3,000 doctors, nurses and other allied health workers from the private and public sector conducted a medical-dental mission at the Rajah Sulayman Park in Manila Friday.

Dr. Ismael Mercado, over-all coordinator of the “Heal the Nation” movement, said the event aimed to tap different sectors to participate in providing free medical and dental services to underprivileged Filipinos.

He said the most common ailment among patients who sought treatment at the event is upper respiratory tract infection.

Mercado said they plan to conduct the activity regularly all over the country, adding they also aim to provide free cataract operations in future medical missions.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. has donated some medicines, including vitamins, for the mission. Pagcor spokesman Dodie King said one of the agency’s mandates is to support socio-civic projects in the country.

Pagcor has also been doing its own medical and dental missions nationwide for the past years.

Friday’s medical-dental mission was supported by the Philippine Medical Association, Solid Bloc of Cavite, Philippine Academy of Medical Specialists, Cavite Medical Society, Dra. Olivia Salamanca Memorial Hospital, Medical Center Manila, Emilio Aguinaldo College of Medicine-Manila, Emilio Aguinaldo College Medical Center-Cavite, Philippine Academy of Family Physicians-Cavite Chapter, Divine Grace Medical Center, Medical Services of America, Cavite Medical Representatives Association and Rizal Medical Center. – Helen Flores