The Philippine Australian Medical Association (PAMA) and UGAY-Australia joined forces at the recent medical mission in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines.
PAMA, an organization of Filipino doctors based in Australia, regularly holds medical missions to various parts of the Philippines. Its latest project was held on April 13-17, 2009 at Gubat District Hospital in the Municipality of Gubat, Sorsogon. The medical mission was accomplished in full coordination with UGAY Australia, an association of Filipinos from that province.
The mission which took all of four days, consisted of rendering free services and providing free medicines to indigent patients. Doctors who specialized in pediatrics, ophthalmology, gynecology, and other medical fields took turns in providing free consultations. The dentists in the group also performed tooth extractions and other dental services.
Major surgeries performed included cataract extractions, repair of hernias, and removal of uterine fibroids/myomas, some of which were almost as big as watermelons.
A total of 142 children were vaccinated against pneumococcal disease, while 2,000 others were served within the catchment of the district hospital. The Gubat Hospital serves four municipalities in the area which has a population of 120,000.
(Editor’s note: Dr. Grace Maano, pictured above, is the Health Project Coordinator of PAMA. She is likewise an active member of the Philippine Health Care Association of Australia.
Neil Galang, president of Philippine Australian Migrant Workers Union fully supports medical missions to the Philippines.) – ?