Kalinga residents get free medical services

HUNDREDS of indigent and underprivileged residents in Kalinga province received free medical and dental services during a joint outreach activity initiated by private practitioners and the provincial government on Friday, February 16.

The outreach program was spearheaded by US-based Dr. Joy Gunnawa-Soriano, who is affiliated with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) and Global Dental Relief (GDR) volunteer, in collaboration with the provincial health office, Kalinga Provincial Hospital, Kalinga Medical Society, Kalinga Dental Chapter, and the provincial government.

The program, which allocated 1000 slots for both medical and dental services, saw 466 individuals avail themselves of free medical services such as consultations, laboratory services, X-ray, ECG, and ultrasound, with 403 individuals receiving dental services such as tooth extractions and fillings.

Dr. Gunnawa-Soriano said the outreach activity is one of her initiatives to continue her mission to help the underprivileged in the country, especially her hometown Kalinga.

“This was really my personal initiative and from my friends all over the world who contributed in any way they could,” said Dr. Gunnawa-Soriano.

“I travel with Global Dental Relief, so I decided to do the outreach in my own hometown since it’s also a place of indigents, and that it should also be priority,” she added.

Beneficiaries were also provided free medicines, vitamins, toothbrushes and toothpastes.

Their succeeding mission is slated for the following week within the city and the municipality of Lubuagan.