DANAO CITY, Cebu β Hundreds of patients benefited from free medical and surgical services during the opening day of the Cebu Provincial Government-led medical-surgical mission at Cebu Provincial Hospital (CPH)-Danao as part of the provinceβs 457th Founding Anniversary celebration.
The two-day mission delivered 23 major surgeries, 52 minor surgical procedures, and 225 specialist consultations on its first day, bringing together government health workers, private hospitals, medical organizations, and volunteers to provide specialized care to patients who may otherwise have difficulty accessing such services.
Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan said the initiative was conducted in partnership with Chong Hua Hospital, the Cebu Medical Society, CPH-Danao, and other participating organizations.
23 major surgeries performed
Among the major procedures performed during the first day were seven laparoscopic cholecystectomies, five thyroid surgeries, seven hernia operations, two hemorrhoidectomies, and two excisions.
Medical teams also performed 52 minor surgical procedures, including cyst treatments and incision-and-drainage procedures.
Ten arteriovenous fistula procedures were likewise carried out. These procedures are commonly performed to establish vascular access for patients undergoing hemodialysis.
The range of procedures allowed patients to receive specialized surgical care without having to shoulder the costs typically associated with such treatment.
More than 200 specialist consultations
Specialist teams attended to 225 patients during the opening day.
Ophthalmology recorded the highest number of consultations with 140 patients, followed by internal medicine with 44, surgery with 21, pediatrics with 16, and obstetrics and gynecology with four.
Dental teams also provided treatment to 63 patients.
The medical mission further offered diagnostic and screening services throughout the day, including 30 chest X-rays, 33 random blood sugar tests, and 25 uric acid tests.
HIV screening was conducted for 60 patients at CPH-Danao and another 33 individuals at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility in Danao.
Partnerships expand access to healthcare
Catalan said the number of services delivered during the first day demonstrated the impact that can be achieved when government hospitals, private healthcare institutions, professional organizations, and volunteers work together.
She emphasized that partnerships are crucial in bringing specialized medical and surgical services closer to communities across Cebu.
The initiative involved doctors, nurses, health workers, support personnel, and other volunteers who contributed their time and expertise to the two-day outreach program.
Catalan expressed her appreciation to the CPH-Danao team, Chong Hua Hospital, the Cebu Medical Society, and other partners for providing personnel, medical expertise, and resources for the mission.
Surgical mission continues August 9
The medical-surgical mission will continue on Sunday, August 9, with additional major surgeries and arteriovenous fistula procedures scheduled as part of the provinceβs month-long 457th Founding Anniversary celebration.
The initiative forms part of the Cebu Provincial Governmentβs continuing efforts to make specialized healthcare more accessible to residents, particularly those who face barriers in obtaining medical and surgical services.
Catalan said the program reflects Governor Pamela Baricuatroβs commitment to putting patients and public service first, anchored on the goal of ensuring that no Cebuano is left behind.
(Capitol PIO; Source: Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan Facebook account)
