More than 200 women from Sagay and neighboring towns received free medical and surgical services during a two-day gynecologic oncology mission conducted by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines (SGOP) at the Alfredo E. Marañon Sr. Memorial District Hospital (AEMSMDH), Aug. 22 to 23, a press release from the group said.
As part of its community service program, SGOP partnered with the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS)– Negros Island Region Chapter, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Philippine Society of Anesthesiologists.
The mission provided care for a total of 218 patients, including 96 gynecology consultations, 54 Pap smears, 19 visual inspections with acetic acid, and 49 breast examinations, with one patient requiring admission. A total of 15 gynecologic oncology surgeries were performed, ranging from tumor debulking to complex hysterectomies and other specialized procedures. Patients came from Sagay, Cadiz, Manapla, Toboso & Victorias.
The team of SGOP specialists was led by Community Service Head Dr. Melchor Dela Cruz, together with Dr. Cristine Palma, Dr. Lilibeth Sia Su, Dr. Helen Yambao, Dr. Rey Delos Reyes, Dr. Lizette Strebel, Dr. Weng Montinola, Dr. Lilia Tinio, Dr. Joy David-Vallega, and Dr. Martha Parroco.
“We, the group of gynecologic oncologists, are beyond grateful to Congressman Alfredo ‘Thirdy’ Marañon, III, Mayor Bebo Cueva, and Dr. Fe Marañon for their unwavering support,” said Dr. Dela Cruz.
Neg. Occ. 2nd District Representative Alfredo D. Marañon III thanked the SGOP surgeons for their commitment to serve and for sharing their expertise especially to the underprivileged patients.
Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva also expressed appreciation to the SGOP for choosing Sagay as their host for the medical mission and for their generosity in providing access to healthcare for women who might otherwise be unable to afford it.
OIC AEMSMDH Chief of Hospital Dr. Cyrille Adraneda likewise thanked all partner doctors especially the SGOP and the host medical – AEMSMDH OB-GYN team, led by Dr. Mae Villalba.
Support also came from specialists, OR Surgical teams of Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital, Riverside Medical Center and Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital. Medical equipment augmented by Lopez District Hospital (LODIFI), Cadiz District Hospital, Vicente Gustilo District Hospital, and Valladolid District Hospital.
Present also during the opening program of the medical mission was Sangguniang Panglunsod Member Dr. Mel Alexis Serondo.