MOH-BARMM holds surgical mission in Basilan

BASILAN - The Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) recently completed a highly successful surgical mission in Basilan province that benefited over 100 people.

Health Minister Dr. Rizaldy Piang, Dr. Tato Usman, OIC Director General; and Dr. Michael Macion, an orthopedic surgeon, led the team of doctors - from ophthalmologists, internal medicine specialists, OB-Gyne doctors, anesthesiologists, ENT specialists, to the three-day medical mission held at the Lamitan City District Hospital.

(Photos by Mark Navales)

The Philippine Navy's BA485, a fast Multi-Purpose Assault Craft, transported Dr. Macion’s team from Zamboanga City to Basilan, where 118 patients were provided medical surgeries and free medicines.

Rheazel Nava Mongcal, the mother of Mark Zeyn Mongcal, a one-year-and-seven-month-old with Hernia, expressed her gratitude to the BARMM government for helping address her son's health condition.

Julieta Villaneza, a 73-year-old from San Jose Maluong in, rejoiced as her cataracts, a long-standing issue, were treated through the surgical outreach program of MOH-BARMM, without any financial burden. This program ensures universal access to necessary medical treatments. 

At the Lamitan District Hospital, Governor Jim Hataman Saliman visited the medical mission to express his appreciation to the team of doctors and nurses for their dedication to the program.

Governor Saliman extended his gratitude to the BARMM Government, particularly the Ministry of Health, for their continuous support to the people of Lamitan. He also advocated for the establishment of another hospital to serve the Provincial Hospital of Basilan under the BARMM Government's jurisdiction. 

Dr. Harris Macapeges, a general surgeon specializing in vascular access for hemodialysis and Chief of Iranon District Hospital of Maguindanao Del Norte, also conveyed his appreciation. Dr. Macapeges is delighted to have been part of the surgical team of the MOH-BARMM outreach program, enabling him to serve the underprivileged residents of the islands. 

Dr. Michael Macion, head of the Bangsamoro Surgical Outreach Program and current Regional Coordinator for Hospital Operations at MOH-BARMM, emphasized his commitment to expanding various surgical and medical services throughout the Bangsamoro Region, and also expressed his gratitude to his fellow doctors who volunteered for the surgical program, citing their collective dedication to serving the people of BARMM. (Mark Navales)