PIA Press Release
Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Army, NGOs serve free health services

DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 31(PIA) -- The 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army launched a three-day joint medical and dental civic action program (MEDCAP) recently with non-government organizations (NGOs) in Barangay Magatas Elementary School, Sibulan town to serve at least 1,312 individuals.

According to Army Information Officer, Capt. Anacito Naz, of the total recipients of the free health services; 466 availed medical consultations, 468 for the blood pressure examinations, 76, dental check-up and tooth extraction; 60 for the ECG, 30 for the X-ray, 75 for eye check-ups, while 60 individuals were given free haircut and 105 for free massage.

Free flu vaccination was also administered to 276 children-beneficiaries in barangay Magatas through the Office of Civil Defense and the Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) of the army.

However, Naz said the health team prepared 7,000 flu vaccines to immunize flu virus for barangay-beneficiaries in Sibulan, and the cities of Dumaguete and Tanjay.

The MEDCAP activity includes victims of tropical storm Sendong at Scandinavian Village in barangay Candau-ay and San Isidro Elementary School in Tanjay City. MEDCAP showed the involvement of different stakeholders consistent with the spirit of “Bayanihan” to address the health concerns of the Negrenses, a military official said.

“The free health services manifested a commitment and dedication by peace loving citizens in order to serve the Filipino people,” said Naz.

The MEDCAP was conducted through the efforts of the 302 Brigade led by Col Francisco Patrimonio together with the Oriental Negros Children Advocacy Network (ONCAN), Project Luke Foundation (PLF), International Care Ministry (ICM), Little Children of the Philippines (LCP), and Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, Army’s 302 Brigade and 79th Infantry Battalion. (mcbn/jct/PIA-NegOr)