Sorsogon provincial capitol building (Photo from Sorsogon PIO's Facebook page)
LEGAZPI CITY – A total of 2,322 residents of Sorsogon has so far benefited from the free medical check-up and surgery program of the provincial government.
In an interview on Wednesday, Salvador Mendoza, Sorsogon provincial information officer, said the "Elective Surgery Program" that started in November 2020 continues to provide free medical services to indigent residents through the Provincial Health Office.
He said the administration of Governor Francis Escudero considers it necessary to help the people, especially those who lack financial support and are from far-flung areas, avail of medical services.
“Typically, ang elective surgery, umiikot sila. Ang Sorsogon provincial government may pinapatakbong siyam na district hospitals, so may nagpapalista, so nage-sched ang mga doktor. Instead na pumunta sila dito sa Provincial Hospital in Sorsogon City, pumupunta na lang sila sa mga district or medicare hospital depende sa schedule nila para doon na lang gamutin ‘yung pasyente at para wala ng hassle at gastos sa pamasahe (Typically, the elective surgery, they go around. The Sorsogon provincial government runs nine district hospitals, so patients register their names and the doctors give schedules. Instead of the patients going to the provincial hospital in Sorsogon City, they only visit the nearest district or medicare hospitals depending on their schedule to avail of medical services and get rid of the hassle and travel expenses),” he said.
The Elective Surgery Program was directed by Escudero to reduce the burden on his constituents who need to undergo medical services.
"Gov. Escudero wants to extend these services to the nearby district and medicare hospitals in the province," Mendoza said.
The usual patients are those who have cysts and body lumps, he said, and they undergo assessments to determine the appropriate procedures for treatment.
“Basta pwedeng operahan at isailalim sa surgery ay pwedeng-pwede po mag-avail nitong program (As long as they have health conditions that require surgery, they can avail of this program),” Mendoza said. (PNA)
