Cebu brings free surgeries, medical services to provincial hospitals, islands
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Hundreds of Cebuanos are set to receive free medical consultations and surgical procedures as the Cebu Provincial government brings healthcare missions to provincial hospitals and island communities.
The initiative, held as part of Cebu’s 457th Founding Anniversary, seeks to expand access to medical and surgical care through partnerships between the provincial government and private healthcare institutions.
115 surgeries completed in Danao
The first surgical mission provided 115 free procedures at the Cebu Provincial Hospital-Danao City (CPH-Danao) from August 8 to 9, with the services estimated to be worth P9.30 million to P9.53 million based on comparable private healthcare costs.
READ: Bantayan hospital now offers surgical procedures
Dr. Nikki Catalan, Capitol Piso Public Health consultant, said the estimate reflected the potential expenses patients avoided by receiving the procedures for free.
“Beyond the figures are Cebuanos who received timely treatment, families spared from significant financial burden, and patients given the opportunity to heal and return to their daily lives,” Catalan said.
Among the procedures performed were 10 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, which remove the gallbladder through small abdominal incisions, and four total thyroidectomies, or the surgical removal of the thyroid gland.
The mission also provided 18 arteriovenous (AV) fistula creation procedures, which establish a connection between an artery and vein to provide vascular access for patients undergoing dialysis.
The laparoscopic cholecystectomies were estimated at P265,000 each, while the thyroidectomies were valued at about P220,000 each and the AV fistula procedures at P50,000 each.
Other procedures included 58 minor surgeries worth around P1.45 million in total, as well as hernia repairs, hydrocelectomies, varicocelectomies, circumcisions and foreign body removals.
Residents also received free outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests, eye examinations and dental services during the two-day mission.
Available diagnostic services included X-rays, electrocardiograms (ECGs), random blood sugar, uric acid and cholesterol tests, while patients could also seek consultations for common illnesses.
The Danao mission was conducted through a partnership between the provincial government and Chong Hua Hospital, with 260 volunteer medical personnel taking part.
More surgical missions ahead
The provincial government will hold two more surgical missions at provincial hospitals in the coming weeks.
The next mission is scheduled at CPH-Bogo City on August 22 and 23, in partnership with the All-Terrain Medical Relief Organization.
Another surgical mission will be held at CPH-Carcar City on September 26 and 27, in partnership with the University of Cebu Medical Center.
Medical missions to barangays
Separate medical missions will also reach several island and coastal communities in Cebu throughout August and September.
On August 15, medical teams will serve residents of Kinatarkan, Hagdan and Langub at the Kinatarkan Gym, followed by a mission in Hilantagaan Island on August 16.
On August 29, services will be brought to Batigis, Doong, Luyong Baybay, and Lipayran, with the mission based at the Doong Gym.
Hilotongan Island in Bantayan will host a medical mission on August 30, followed by Gibitngil in Medellin on September 19.
The final scheduled mission will be held in Malapascua, Daanbantayan, on September 20.
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