Medical and dental mission for families affected by Typhoon Yolanda and Typhoon Ruby in Polambato, Bogo City, Cebu

The Visayas Primary Health Care Services, Inc. conducted a medical and dental mission in Barangay Polambato, Bogo City on December 14, 2014. Located in the northern part of Cebu about three hours ride from Cebu City, it was one of the barangays severely affected by Typhoon Yolanda and recently, by Typhoon Ruby on December 6, 2014. The mission was conducted in the Polambato Elementary School.

In Polambato Elementary School.

The Visays Primary Health Care Services, Inc. coordinated with the Polambato Farmers’ Association which was organized by the Central Visayas Farmers’ Development Center (FARDEC), another non-government organization, in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda as part of its relief and rehabilitation support services for families affected by the disaster. The local government unit and administration of the elementary school helped also to prepare for the mission. 

Members of the mission team included the following, namely: 12 doctors, 7 nurses, seven dentists, and one psychologist. The VPHCS had nine staff members which included one doctor and three nurses. The FARDEC had two staff members. The entire medical mission team consisted of 38 people. 

Services in the medical mission included the following, namely: medical consultations for illnesses for children and adults, diabetes screening for adults more than 40 years old, dental services of tooth extraction, urinalysis, and giving of reading glasses. 

For many of the patients, it was the first time that they had medical care since Typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines in November 8, 2013. Having to work very hard to look for food after the damage to their crops, suffering from the lack of shelter after the destruction of their houses and trying to find all possible resources to feed their families, many patients had neglected their health. For many of them, going to the health center to seek medical care for their illnesses or to buy medicines for their illnesses was the least priority; the first priority was to find food. 

Registered adult patients had their blood pressure taken and the children were also weighed by the nursing team. Adults 40 years old and above had their blood sugar tested for diabetes after which they joined all other adult patients in the adult consultation room. All children were ushered to the two pediatric consultation rooms. 

Patients line up for registration.

 Registration of patients.

Consultation room for adults.

Consultation room for children.

Patients who had urinary complaints had urinalysis done. 

Urinalysis.

Adults and children who had dental problems were brought to the classroom for dental services. 

Dental services.

After their medical check-up, the patients then went to the pharmacy to get their prescribed medicines. 

Dispensing of medicines.

A total of 366 patients were given medical services, 50 of whom also had dental care, while 25 had only dental care. This brought the total number of patients to 391. A total of 147 persons were given reading glasses all of whom were also attended to by the doctors. 

A total of 100 patients had their blood sugar tested for diabetes, 5 of whom had elevated blood sugar levels. They were all given hypoglycemic medications good for three months and advised to have regular blood sugar check-up and diet control. 

Screening of diabetes.

Reading eyeglasses were provided to 147 patients. Having eyeglasses is a luxury in the rural areas in the Philippines. Even if Bogo City has optometry clinics, people could not afford their services. Those who availed of the glasses were truly happy that they could now read clearly or sew their clothes. 

Giving of reading glasses.

Hypertension was the second leading cause of illness after acute respiratory tract infections. Many of the patients said that they were not taking any anti-hypertensive medications because they did not feel any symptoms, could not afford to buy the medicines, or were not given medicines by the government health centers due to limited supply. The mission dispensed anti-hypertensive medications good for three months per patient after the doctors talked with the patients to have their blood pressure checked regularly by the barangay health workers and to take their medicines daily. 

The occurrence of acute respiratory tract infections, osteoarthritis, muscle pains, and non-ulcer dyspepsia among adults is seen in the context of the situation affecting the residents who are mostly poor farmers who have to work all day long in the fields, causing stress to them and tendency to take irregular meals, or decreasing their bodies’ immune response. 

Nine patients suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis were referred to the city government’s health center in order to have sputum examination so that the patients can avail of free medicines if the examination is positive for the tuberculosis bacteria. There were also six cases each of pneumonia and anemia and five cases each of diabetes mellitus and bronchial asthma. 

There were 182 children less than 13 years old and 14 of them had normal findings. Majority (124 or 68%) had acute respiratory tract infection which is mostly viral in etiology. In the week prior to the mission, the weather was not good due to Typhoon Ruby resulting to lowered immune response of the children, making them susceptible to catch cough and colds. Ten of them came down with pneumonia and five had chronic bronchitis which are both lower respiratory tract infections. Five were anemic and three had skin infections while two had bronchial asthma and otitis media. One child had a lacerated wound on his foot after stepping on broken glass. A doctor in the mission sutured the wound so that the patient was not anymore referred to the city’s government hospital which would have cost money to his family. 

All patients were properly given medicines bought from the funds from Lands Aid. They included essential medicines such as antibiotics, analgesics, anti-pyretics, anti- hypertensives, antacids, ferrous sulfate, anti-diabetic, mucolytic, deworming agents, bronchodilator, multivitamins, skin antibiotics, and many others. 

In general, the mission was indeed successful and the patients expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the team. The team members were also very happy that they were able to serve the farmers and residents of the community who are continuing to strive hard to regain their normal lives after Typhoon Yolanda one year ago. 

The medical mission team after all was done.

Medical mission in Northern Cebu

Nearly 800 residents of four barangays affected by Typhoon Yolanda were served during a medical mission conducted by the Visayas Primary Health Care Services.

The residents of Barangays Tindog and Dalingding Sur, Medellin were served during the mission in Tindog last Nov. 22 and residents of Barangays Paypay and Dalingding Norte, Daanbantayan were served in Paypay on Nov. 23. 

The mission site in Paypay, Daanbantayan.

Patients waiting  in LandsAid tent in Paypay.

Registration of patients, Tindog, Medellin.

Patients waiting for medical check-up, Tindog, Medellin.

The mission was supported by LandsAid, a German humanitarian aid organization which had earlier supported a similar mission in Barangay Tambongon, San Remegio last Sept. 14. 

Services in the two day medical mission included the following, namely: medical consultations for illnesses for children and adults, diabetes screening for adults more than 40 years old, nutritional status assessment, visual acuity check-up, dental check up and urinalysis for children six years to 12 years old, eye check-up for adults and giving of reading glasses, and distribution of toothbrushes and toothpastes for children. The mission sites were the barangay hall and day care center in Tindog and the Paypay National High School. 

These four barangays have established women’s organizations which were organized by the Women’s Resource Center of Visayas (WRCV), another non-government organization, as an offshoot of the relief efforts immediately after the typhoon. The Visayas Primary Health Care Services coordinated with the WRCV and the women’s organizations in organizing the mission. 

Invited members of the mission team included the following, namely: 10 doctors, 12 nurses, one optometrist and 5 non-health personnel. The VPHCS had seven staff members which included one doctor and three nurses. The WRCV had a five-member team. The entire medical mission team consisted of 37 people. 

In both sites, registered adult patients had their blood pressure taken and the children were also weighed by the nursing team. They were then segregated into adults and children. All adults who had eye problems were ushered to the room for eye check up, those 40 years and above had diabetes screening, after which all were attended to by the team of doctors. All children six years to 12 years old were ushered to the room for urinalysis, height and weight measurement, dental check-up and distribution of toothbrushes and toothpastes, after which they were brought to the medical consultation room. All patients were eventually attended to by the team of doctors. After their medical check-up, the patients then went to the pharmacy to get their prescribed medicines. 

Dr. Marilyn Dayrit and her daughter Milka conducted 

eye check-up and dispensed reading glasses.

Nurse Jessica Pausta and VPHCS staff Lourdes Geolin 

test urine of the children for urinary infection.

More than 400 patients were served in Paypay.

More than 300 patients were seen in Tindog.

In Medellin, a total of 362 patients were attended to, while in Daanbantayan, there were 414. This brought the total number of patients to 776. 

A total of 230 patients had their blood sugar tested for diabetes. For many of them, it was the first time that they had their blood sugar tested. Only 22 were found to be diabetic, they were all given hypoglycemic medications good for three months and advised to have regular blood sugar check-up and diet control. 

Nurse Jafe Sepulveda and Cristopher Ouano 

check blood sugar for diabetes.

Nearly all of the children had good eye vision and only five percent had urinary infection. However, more than 50 percent of the children had dental caries due to poor hygiene. Thus, the children were taught by the nurses about dental hygiene and proper use of toothbrush. A total of 400 toothbrushes and toothpaste were distributed in both missions. 

VPHCS staff Luz Carreon conducted dental check up 

for children less than 12 years old.

Dr. Erlinda Posadas with mother and child.

Nurse Hanna Liza Lora teach children proper toothbrush.

Reading eyeglasses were provided to 150 patients in Medellin and 150 patients in Daanbantayan after eye check up by an optometrist.

With new eyeglasses.

Hypertension was the leading cause of illness among the adults in the four barangays, as it is the leading cause of morbidity together with cardiovascular diseases nationwide. 

The occurrence of acute respiratory tract infections, osteoarthritis, muscle pains, non-ulcer dyspepsia, tension headache and anemia among adults is seen in the context of the situation affecting the residents almost a year after Typhoon Yolanda devastated the northern towns of Cebu. With the destruction of their crops and trees (sugar cane, corn, coconut, banana, mango), the farmers had lost their source of income and food and they are still trying to cultivate their fields of food crops. Osteoarthritis, muscle pains and tension headache are common among farmers who have to work hard in the farms in order to put food on their tables, thereby putting their bodies into stress and exertion. Non-ulcer dyspepsia was also common since being farmers, they have the tendency to skip their meals while working in the fields or simply because there was no food to eat at all. Acute respiratory tract infections can be attributed to their lowered body immune system or resistance.

Medicines and medical supplies in government health centers are still lacking to meet the needs of the people. The mission dispensed appropriate medicines for the illnesses. 

The few patients with other problems that needed further work-up and management were referred to tertiary hospitals in Cebu 

In general, the mission was indeed successful and the patients expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the team. For the team members, it was also a meaningful experience for them to have served the farmers and residents of the community who are continuing to strive hard to live a decent life after the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda. 

 Happy patients.

The mission team.

Medical mission in Sta. Fe

The Visayas Primary Health Care Services, Inc. joined the dental and circumcision (tuli) services and giving of reading glasses during a mission sponsored by the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) for survivors of Typhoon Yolanda in Sta. Fe, Cebu last May 17 – 18, 2014.

The activity is part of the Bulig Katilingban: Task Force on Emergency Response (TFER) of the IFI-Parish of the Holy Child in Sta. Fe. It was held in the covered gymnasium in the poblacion of Sta. Fe. 

A total of 619 residents of Sta. Fe benefited from the services, 236 boys were circumcised, 217 had dental services of teeth extraction, cleaning and filling of cavities, and 166 received correction reading glasses. Some 100 boys also received toothbrushes and took fluoride.

Children receive new toothbrushes 

from CDS President Dr. Ma. Paciencia Belarmino.

The VPHCS sent a team of 21 volunteers of nurses and doctors and community health workers and provided the instruments for the tuli. The CDS had 7 dentists and 5 dental students of the Southwestern University College of Dentistry. The mobile dental van of the Juanito I. King Foundation provided additional dental services. Three practicing optometrists fitted the reading glasses. The IFI- Sta. Fe youth group manned the registration and ensured the smooth flow of the services.

Dr. Ronald M. Loyola, CDS Outreach Program Coordinator 

extracts a child’s bad teeth.

Southwestern University College of Dentistry 

student Rizalyn Apilado assisted by dentist Dr. Katrina Carlos 

treats a dental patient in the dental van 

of the Juanito I. King Foundation. 

The team departed from Cebu City in the dawn of May 17 and arrived in Sta. Fe before lunch. An opening program followed where Fr. Marciano Carabio, the Diocesan Program Coordinator of the Task Force on Emergency Response gave the opening prayers. Edgar Gahisan, R.N. VPHCS staff member introduced the team of volunteers. 

VPHCS physician Dr. Erlinda Posadas, 

 volunteer nurse Edgar Gahisan 

and medical doctor Anthonee Bacaltos render their services.

While the boys were waiting for their turn to start the tuli, the dental team assembled the boys in rows and applied fluoride fluid on their teeth. The following day, before the tuli started, the waiting boys were given toothbrushes and taught the correct way to tooth brush. Proper hand washing was also taught to the boys while singing the song, Happy Birthday. 

Eye check up with optometrists Dr. Mary Ruthsen Dayrit

her mother Dr. Marilyn Dayrit and Dr. Leomeress Montegrande

The services on Saturday ended in the late afternoon, and resumed the following day, Sunday. Everybody who needed to be attended to were served and the mission ended at 2:30 p.m. Team departed the island at 3:30 p.m.

It was a very worthwhile and memorable experience for the team members who were touched by the openness, simplicity and warm-heartedness of the people of Sta. Fe.

Medical mission in Leyte

As it expands its medical services for families affected by Typhoon Yolanda outside the Cebu province, the Visayas Primary Health Care Services, conducted a medical and psychosocial support services mission in Barangay Dinaayan, a far-flung mountain barangay in the municipality of Burauen last March 8, 9.
 

Barangay Dinaayan is a rural community in Burauen, Leyte 

which was affected by typhoon Yolanda.

More than 250 patients from Dinaayan and neighboring mountain barangays of Damulo-an, Villa Corazon and Buenavista availed of free medical check-ups, consultations and medicines and psychosocial counseling.

Medical interns of the Cebu Institute 

of Medicine examine patients.

Burauen is a first class municipality in the central part of Leyte, about two hours travel time from Tagbilaran. It was badly hit by Typhoon Yolanda; coconut trees and crops were destroyed and houses were damaged. There were however no reported deaths.

More than 250 patients from the four 

mountain barangays were seen.

The mission was supported by the Fil-Am Center for Community Health and Development (FACCHD) and Action Medeor. It was held in coordination with the Tabang Sinirangang Bisayas and Health Empowerment and Action in Samar and Leyte, two non-government organizations based in Eastern Visayas. 

The medical and psychosocial team was composed of VPHCS staff and volunteers Dr. Petty Orbeta de Castro, Dr. Lilia Hernandez, Dr. Norbert Enders, Dr, Jose Edgar Alonso, Dr. Erlinda Posadas, Dr. Grace Molina, Dr. Oliver Gimenez, Irish Grace Ramirez, R.N., Lourdes Geolin, Crescenciana Labitad, Angelie Marangga, Boy Tamundo, Katrina Buena Balansa, Jade Ann Vega, Pearl Angeli Templado and Cebu Institute of Medicine medical interns and Gullas College of Medicine medical interns.    

Medical missions for survivors of the Oct. 15 earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda

In response to the October 15 earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda disasters, the Visayas Primary Health Care Services, rendered medical services to survivors of the calamites. 

Medical and psychosocial support services were held during a relief mission on Nov. 30 in Barangay Bahi, Loon and Dec. 1 in Barangay Triple Union in Catigbian in Bohol, which were affected by the earthquake. More than 400 patients availed of medical check consultations and medicines and more than 100 survivors mostly children also had psychosocial therapy.

 Dr. Erlinda Posadas treats a child with cough in Loon mission.

VSMMC PGI Neil Wahing checks up a patient 

for anemia in Catigbian mission.

The medical services were part of a relief mission organized by the Community Empowerment Resource Network, Inc. (CERNET) with the support of the Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (Protestant Agency for Diakonia and Development) based in Germany. CERNET executive director Dr. Oliver Gimenez led the team of the relief mission. Residents of the two and neighboring barangay were given relief goods including rice, canned goods, water and other basic necessities. 

PGIs of VSMMC check up patients in Loon medical mission.

A volunteer psychologist counselor 

in play therapy in Catigbian mission.

The medical missions were supported by the Task Force Carabao – Germany and the Panaghugpong sa mga Mag-uuma ug Mangingisda sa Loon and the Hugpong sa Mag-uumang Bol-anon. 

The medical team was composed of VPHCS staff and volunteers Dr. Erlinda Posadas, Irish Grace Ramirez, R.N., Lourdes Geolin, Dalaguete MHO Dr. Jose Edgar Alonso, Dr. Ma. Jecyl Amaya-Radam, Dr. Roentgen Amaya, Dr. Grace Molina, Edgar Gahisan, R.N., Mark Balingit, R.N., 13 post-graduate interns of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) led by Dr. Neil Wahing, six volunteer psychologists led by VSMMC psychologist Ma. Antonella Codeneira, and nursing students belonging to the Student Alliance for Community Health Services (SACHS) based in Tagbilaran City. 

A pose of the medical and relief team in Bahi, Loon.

A pose of the medical and relief team in Catigbian.

The VPHCS also sent a medical team to a medical mission held in barangays Tindog, Don Virgilio, Panugwawan and Lamintak Sur in Medellin on December 4-7, 2013 which was severely affected by Typhoon Yolanda. The medical services were held together with distribution of relief goods for survivors of the typhoon. The relief mission was spearheaded by the Filipino-Americans US based health professionals. More than 1,400 families benefitted from the relief mission. VPHCS team included Irish Grace Ramirez, R.N., Lourdes Geolin and Edgar Gahisan, R.N.

 A barangay health worker attends to patients 

in Lamintak Sur, Medellin.

VPHCS volunteer nurse attends to patients 

in Lamintak Sur, Medellin.

Another team was also sent by the VPHCS to a medical mission in the municipality of Orrmoc and in Barangay Lonoy, Kananga, Leyte. The medical mission was organized by the Samahang Operation Sagip (SOS) which is a medical program of the Council for Health and Development (CHD) that responds to calamities. More than 50 doctors, nurses, psychologists and volunteers rendered medical services for more than hundreds of residents who were affected by Typhoon Yolanda. The VPHCS team included Dr. Jose Edgar Alonso, Irish Grace Ramirez, R.N. and Clay Ordona.

Dr. Jose Edgar Alonso checks up 

a patient in Kananga, Leyte.

 

 Patients in Lonoy elementary school medical mission. 

 Volunteers of the Samahang Operasyong Sagip in Leyte mission.