Young volunteers hold storytelling for the children. / contributed photo
Sto. Niño Grand Health Check
A total of 1,279 people living near the Basilica del Santo Niño in downtown Cebu City received free medical services during the first grand health check organized by the Rotary Club of Metro Cebu (RCMC) last May 19.
The “Halad ni Sto. Niño Para Ninyo” medical mission attended to patients, both adults and children, with various ailments, according to Rotarian Mary Ann Soria, the project chair.
The volunteers gave diagnostic services, including pap smear and breast examination, blood sugar testing, scoliosis screening, digital rectal exam, optical and hearing tests, and mental health check.
In collaboration with the Order of St. Augustine (OSA) Cares through its Santo Niño Solidarity Appeal Project, the volunteers also undertook minor surgeries such as cyst removal, circumcision and dental extraction, Soria said.
They also provided therapeutic services like reflexology with the support of CHildren and Adults in a Multitude of Play-therapy (CHAMP), a non-government organization led by Rotarian Tynee Ruedas that helps rehabilitate children with disabilities.
Some beneficiaries also had free haircut, while young volunteers shared some storybook tales with the children.
The volunteers composed of 42 doctors, along with members of the Santo Niño Medical Team, two dentists and 35 nurses, two pharmacists, six mental health professionals, 11 physical therapists, 20 reflexologists and six barbers attended to the patients.
The volunteers came from the Operating Room Nurses Association of the Philippines Cebu chapter, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Perpetual Succour Hospital and Gruppo Hearing Team.
Five members of Rotary Club of Mandaue East headed by rotary president Philip Estocada assisted the 12 RCMC members led by incoming president Bobby Pacaña during the activity held at the Basilica grounds.