Medical missions up in Iloilo typhoon-hit areas

PIA Press Release 2008/07/01

Medical missions up in Iloilo typhoon-hit areas

by T. Villavert

Iloilo City (1 July) -- Ilonggos who were affected by typhoon "Frank" availed of medial services extended both by the government and private institutions in Sta. Barbara and Pavia, Iloilo while President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo held a cabinet meeting at the Iloilo Airport to discuss massive relief operations for Western Visayas.

Dr. Maria Soccoro Colmenares-Quinon of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office emphasized in a PIA interview that the medical mission is an activity needed to help prevent illnesses like tetanus, leptospirosis, and other infectious diseases.

The medicines came from PAGCOR and PCSO while the medical team came from the Iloilo Docotors Hospital where resident physicians of the different departments of the said hospital, and their post-graduate interns have significantly extended the needed help to the typhoon affected persons.

"Next Thursday another mission is scheduled in Barangay Buyo, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. The barangay will be the convergence area for the five other barangays of Sta. Barbara," Dr. Quinon said.

For Pavia, Iloilo, Quinon said, the medical team came from the Iloilo Medical Society and post graduate interns from Don Benito/West Visayas State University Hospital. "This is the second round because we conducted medical mission last Thursday," she said.

Medicines dispensed during the medical missions include anti-biotics, multi-vitamins, cough syrups and a certain medicine against liptospirosis.

"The medical persons also administered tetanus toxoid for people who have cuts or wounds," Quinon said.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in her message in Davao prior to her Iloilo visit said "the terrible tragedy left in the wake of typhoon Frank and the ferry accident was constantly on our mind during our trip to the United States. Overseeing relief efforts was part of our daily agenda. We were in constant contact with our officials. We have demanded the full accounting of the ferry accident. We were able to receive extensive assistance to aid in search recovery and relief". (PIA)



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