These past years, Camillus MedHaven has been conducting Medical-Dental Missions for the families of children with disabilities who are members of the Camillus MedHaven Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP).  This service extends as well to the indigent families living nearby Camillus MedHaven.

Last March 8, 2008, an estimated crowd of more than 1000 people accessed the free medical and dental treatment offered by the medical-dental mission organized and conducted by the Order of St. Camillus-Camillus Medhaven in partnership with the Ateneo de Manila Graduate School Rockwell-MBA Health Batch 2007, Bigkis Lions Club of Quezon City International, and the Office of the Barangay Marikina Heights.  Many of the patients were members of the Camillus Community Based Rehabilitation Program and their families. The other numerous patients were mostly residents of Barangay Marikina Heights, Marikina City. They all flocked to the St. Camillus College Seminary, where the medical-dental mission took place starting at 9:00 AM and extending to 3:00 PM.

A large group of volunteer doctors matched the number of patients. Thirty-six medical practitioners, among whom were dentists, pediatricians, surgeons, a pathologist, and an ophthalmologist, offered their services. Twenty six of the doctors are classmates of Camillus MedHaven Director, Fr. Sam Cuarto, MI, at the Ateneo MBA Graduate School of Business. “We are 30 in our batch and only four of us are not doctors,” says Fr. Sam.

The doctors represented one of the components that made the medical mission a successful happening. The other factor was the availability of medicines and medical supplies. The partners of the Camillus MedHaven donated these items in abundance. The donations flowed through the efforts of Bigkis Lions Club of Quezon City International, the barangay council of Marikina Heights, and the volunteer doctors themselves. Marikina City Vice Mayor Marion Andres did his supportive part by providing assistance for the snacks, chairs, tent and streamer for the medical mission.

The six-hour non-stop activity owed its success also to the Camillus Medhaven staff led by Fr. Sam. They planned and implemented the project with zeal and dedication.

They also engaged the participation of other volunteers whose services may have been peripheral but nonetheless important. Twenty four SCCS seminarians assisted in the registration of patients. They also helped in taking the patients’ vital signs and in ushering them through the steps of the treatment procedure. The students doing their OJT at Camillus Medhaven were also present and took charge of the physical arrangements, pharmacy, and food distribution among the doctors and the 120 children-participants of the CBRP program.

Thanks to this combination of human and material resources, more than 1000 patients received highly needed treatment mostly for upper respiratory ailments, hypertension, and dental complaints.  The patients were happy, having benefited from services such as medical check-up for adults and children, dental treatment, eye check-up, laboratory examination, and circumcision. One mother was very emotional and thankful for her child was able to get free access to a medical check-up including medicines and a special gift. Parents of two special children were also happy because their boys were able to undergo free circumcision.

The members of Camillus MedHaven CBRP as well as the non-members received free snacks and special gifts. They were also surprised by the visit of the Jollibee mascot.  They did not expect that they would be able to see and touch Jollibee in ‘person.’ His appearance added joy, happiness and excitement too! All gifts and snacks were provided courtesy of the Ateneo Graduate School Rockwell-MBA Health Batch 2007 and other generous individuals who shared their blessings and treasures.

Asked about the possible impact of the medical mission on the patients, Nilda Hilario, a nurse at Camillus Medhaven, confidently claimed that the project brought relief to the people who cannot afford the prohibitive cost of medical services and medicines. “Masaya sila,” (They are happy.) she gladly stated.

Camillus MedHaven Director and Staff wish to thank the following for making the Medical-Dental Mission a success: The Ateneo de Manila Graduate School Rockwell- MBA Health Batch 2007; Bigkis Lions Club of Quezon City International; The Office of the Barangay Captain of Marikina Heights and his council; Sukob Foundation;  The Rotary Club of Rivercity Marikina thru Dr. Jeof Madarang; The Office of the Vice Mayor; The St. Camillus College Seminary; Rev. Fr. Ivo Anselmi, MI; Mr. And Mrs. Domingo Guevarra, Jr.; Ms. Jessica Guevarra; Mr. and Mrs. Boy Mina; Mr. and Mrs. Marcelino Tolosa; Mr. and Mrs. Dionisio Salvador, Jr.; Mr. and Mrs. Priming Mancenon; Dr. Cecille II O. Tenerife; Dr, Irvin Icaranom; Ms. Baby De Pano; Ms. Chold Hilado; and t he Staff, Volunteers and OJT of Camillus MedHaven

Maraming Salamat po sa inyong lahat!!!

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