AT least 1,279 residents and migrants around Basilica del Santo Niño in downtown Cebu City received long-sought medical attention during the 1st grand health check that the Rotary Club of Metro Cebu (RCMC) organized last May 19.
A “Halad ni Sto. Niño Para Ninyo,” the mission attended to patients, both adults and children, with various ailments and those who wanted to know their state of health, according to Rotarian (Rtn.) Mary Ann Soria, the project chairperson.
The volunteers gave diagnostic services, including pap smear and breast examinations, blood sugar testing, scoliosis screening, digital rectal exam, optical and hearing tests, mental health check, all at the Basilica grounds, she said.
In collaboration with the Order of St. Augustine (OSA) Cares, through its Santo Niño Solidarity Appeal Project, the volunteers also undertook minor surgeries, such as cyst removal, circumcision and dental extraction, said Soria.
They also provided therapeutic services like reflexology and those by Children and Adults in a Multitude of Play-therapy, a non-government organization lead by Rtn. Tynee Ruedas that helps rehabilitate children with disabilities.
Some beneficiaries also had free haircut, while young volunteers shared some storybook tales to the children.
Soria said RCMC took off from the traditional “medical mission” to a “grand health check” to impart on the beneficiaries that they need not seek medical attention only when they feel sick.
At least 42 doctors with members of the Santo Niño medical team, two dentists and 35 nurses attended to the patients, along with two pharmacists, six mental health professionals and 11 physical therapists, plus 20 reflexologists and six barbers.
Volunteers also came from the Operating Room Nurses Association of the Philippines Cebu chapter, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Perpetual Succour Hospital and Gruppo Hearing Team.
Guided by “Be The Inspiration,” the 2018 Rotary International theme, five RC Mandaue East members led by president Rtn. Philip Estocada assisted the 12 RCMC members led by incoming president Rtn. Bobby Pacana during the activity.