The return of the Halad Surgical Mission to the province of Davao Oriental after the pandemic offers renewed hope to indigent patients in need of surgical interventions.

The Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center (DOPMC) recently launched a three-day surgical mission from November 15-17, 2023, where over 200 patients from the City of Mati and the municipality of Tarragona are expected to receive free surgical services. General surgeries, including thyroidectomy, hydrocele removal or repair, and gallbladder surgery, were among the services provided. Cataract surgeries and ligation and surgery for those with cleft lip and cleft palate are also available.

Governor Niño Sotero L. Uy, Jr. expressed his gratitude to the partner agencies and organizations involved in the mission. He emphasized that quality healthcare services have been a priority of his administration, and he is thankful that these partner humanitarian organizations share the same vision as the province. The Halad Mission Group Foundation, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), the Jerome Foundation, the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC), the Department of Health, and the City Government of Mati and the Municipal Government of Tarragona all contributed to the success of the mission.

According to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Reden Bersaldo, the DOPMC plans to hold more surgical missions in the future, including those that cater to other municipalities. Aside from the Halad Surgical Mission, the DOPMC offers other surgical programs, such as free OB-GYN surgery for women with obstetric and gynecologic issues every three months, free cataract surgery every week, and regular surgical services.

The provincial government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services to its constituents is evident in this initiative, and the province’s partnership with various organizations and agencies highlights the importance of collaboration for the betterment of the Davao Oriental community. By KLD-PIO | Photos by Remel Perez