THE Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) has started its three-day culmination activity for its year-long celebration of the center's centennial year of providing medical services to the people of the region.
The culmination activity, which is held at the activity center of Centrio Ayala Mall, Cagayan de Oro from October 8 to 10, aims to recall the past of NMMC, previously known as the Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital or simply, the provincial hospital.
It is also conducted to educate the public on various diseases and health care awareness.
"We also aim to inform the public that the hospital is continuously improving. Nag improve ta then we are aiming to improve more so that someday, karon nga 100 years, moabot na pud ta og another 100 years," Dr. Neal Rana, the chairman of the centennial exhibit and one of the doctors of NMMC, said.
The event showcases an exhibit of specimens; panels containing the history of the department and services offered; and the memorabilia or equipment used several years before.
Apart from the exhibit, there are also talks on significant health topics such as: HIV awareness, dengue, diseases of women and men, dental diseases, health and nutrition, sports diseases, among others.
"This is very important, especially for the public kay karon evolving ang atong knowledge. Ever changing ang atong knowledge, everyday naa tay change of information. So, we have to educate the public regarding what is current and what will be the future also of health care,” Rana said.
They also have a Health Education and Promotion Unit which educates the public about anti-smoking campaign; education regarding HIV-Aids, prevention; breast cancer awareness; stroke awareness; tuberculosis awareness; and the benefits of giving blood/blood donations.
According to Rana, the event is endorsed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to college institutions all over Northern Mindanao, which explains why there were several students present during the opening of the activity on Monday.
"We are very happy sa atong hospital nga niabot ta og 100 years. We are happy also to inform the public that we are continually improving so that someday we will again attain another 100 years," Rana said.
“We are welcoming everyone to come here, so we are inviting you to come with us, to celebrate with us,” he added.