LUNA, Apayao – A total of 401 individuals benefited from the surgical, medical, and dental caravan held at the Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center (FNLGHTC) from February 10 – 13, providing healthcare services such as minor and major surgeries, dental procedures, and medical consultations.
Of the total beneficiaries, 209 were screened for surgical procedures. The medical team conducted 40 minor surgeries such as excisions of cysts and lipomas, and 29 major surgeries such as cholecystectomies, thyroidectomies, hemorrhoidectomies, fistula repairs, and a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Meanwhile, 123 individuals availed free dental services.
Rosalina Valenzuela, 52, from Dagupan, Luna was among the beneficiaries. She expressed her gratitude to the provincial government, after learning about the caravan through its Facebook page. Moreover, Ogie Esteban of Tumog, in the same municipality, likewise shared his appreciation to the provincial government. “Agyamanak launay ta adda iti kakastoy nga oportunidad ditoy probinsiya tayun,” he said, after finally having the opportunity to receive much-needed medical attention after multiple hospital visits.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Mark Joleen Calban, in recognition to the group of doctors and medical professionals who provided services during the caravan, handed tokens of appreciation and expressed his gratitude to the Medical Ministry International through its team leader, Dr. Allan Melicor.
This medical mission was made possible through the Medical Ministry International, Medical Ambassadors Philippines, and the American Foundation to Aid the Poor, in cooperation with the provincial government and the FNLGHTC. By Loremia Pareja
