For the past 13 years Volunteer for the Visayans has continuously reached out to under-served communities through its program Annual Medical Mission. It aims to provide free medical services to a rural populace who cannot afford to pay for the services offered by private hospitals or clinics. Through the concerted effort of the VFV staff, from fundraising to coordinating with the local government unit, rural health unit, and medical practitioners each medical mission is a success. It is wonderful to note that the people who avail of the free services are filled with gratitude.
This year’s medical mission was held in Sta. Fe, Leyte roughly 45 minutes southwest of Tacloban City. As is true in all municipalities in the Philippines, Sta. Fe Rural Health Unit is a free walk in clinic. A patient who needs basic medical treatment simply visits the clinic without prior appointment. If a patient requires a higher level of medical care, he/she is referred to the nearest government hospital.
On the early morning of April 26, 2013 the VFV team along with foreign and local volunteers set out for Sta. Fe, Leyte for the 13th Annual Medical Mission. Along the way, volunteer nurses and doctors were picked up. The rest of the medical team went straight to Sta. Fe Rural Health Clinic. Upon arrival, the areas designated for the medical procedures were inspected. At 8:00 AM the doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, and dental aides started serving the patients. Two separate areas were secured, one for the circumcision and the other for the dental service.
The event lasted from 8:00AM until 4:00 PM. With a total of 9 physicians, 4 dentists, 26 nurses, 4 midwives, and 3 dental aides along with the VFV staff, foreign, and local volunteers the activity was finished earlier than expected. A total of 204 young boys were circumcised and given free medication. Then 134 patients had their tooth extracted and provided medication.
VFV as always, is truly grateful to all the parties who got involved and made each medical mission a success through the years. To all the donors without whom the medicine and supplies could not have been acquired, thank you. To the medical mission team, including both the medical and non-medical members, it is quite noble of you to share your time and expertise to serve your fellowmen who are in need.
VFV continues to hope that the people who has so far been supporting its cause will not grow tired of helping. Until next year!