By Frances Kristine Alvero/PNA
KORONADAL CITY — Hundreds of residents are expected to benefit from a three-day annual medical mission that will be conducted here next week by a group of doctors who are alumni of the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
Dr. Jean Genevieve Aturdido, city health officer, said Friday at least 50 doctors have confirmed to join the annual medical mission spearheaded by members of the UST-based Tau Mu Sigma Phi or the Thomasian Medical Students’ Fraternity.
Dubbed “9th PBM Surgical Mission”, the outreach is slated on January 30 to February 1 at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital.
The medical mission was started nine years ago by incumbent City Mayor Peter B. Miguel, who is a doctor and member of the Tau Mu Sigma Phi.
During the activity, Aturdido said the group will cater to 49 pre-screened surgical operations involving adults and 37 pediatric cases.
They will also cater to pre-screened and walk-in cases during the mission, which will be joined by several volunteer doctors from parts of the Soccsksargen region, she said.
“Most of our pre-screened beneficiaries are new and there are some who will undergo follow-up operations, like those with cleft lip and palate,” she told reporters in an interview.
Aside from the surgical operations, she said the group will visit at least two barangays to conduct free treatment and consultations for minor illnesses.
Aturdido said a health forum will also be conducted at the city hall lobby on January 30 for the city’s barangay health workers.
