By Venus Villanueva
If the setting up of mobile clinics throughout the country is realized, those who would benefit from these are the poor in remote areas who could ill-afford to go to private hospitals or clinics.
Dr. Myrtle Pelayo, Department of Health (DOH) representative in the province of Aklan declared, “if such clinics are set up in Aklan the province’ poor will have somewhere to go when ill and have no money to spend for consultations and medicines”.
Dr. Pelayo’s statement is in reaction to the recent announcement of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that she has authorized the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to release P100 million to set up mobile clinics throughout the country in support of the outreach program of the Philippine Association of Medical Specialists (PAMS).
In her speech, PGMA thanked the PAMS for conducting medical missions and self-help programs of the medical professions, “notably those that support our goals to curb the costs of medicines and bring specialized training to the provinces.”
On the setting up of mobile clinics, the President said Dr. Gerry Genuino should be thanked for following up the proposal and for initiating the Heal the Nation Now project that aims for physical, spiritual and political healing.
In Aklan, such mobile clinics are much-needed, according to Dr. Pelayo.”Government doctors are lacking in Aklan, especially in municipalities. Presently, Balete town has no Municipal Health Officer, while a hinterland municipality’s MHO is said to immigrate soon”, Dr. Pelayo revealed.
Dr. Pelayo said there are lots of private clinics and hospitals in Aklan, but the province’ poor can’t afford its fees, much more the medicines prescribed.
“Mobile clinics will be a blessing for the poor here. I just hope these clinics will have complete medical equipment so ailments of the poor could easily be diagnosed and treated. Medicines should also be available to the people who would seek consultation”, Dr. Pelayo said.
Dr. Pelayo is a member of the Philippine Association of Medical Specialists, which has a chapter in Aklan. /MP
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