QC residents affected by fire receive free medical services, more from GMA Kapuso Foundation

Residents who were affected by a fire along NIA Road in Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City received free medical services and more from the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

According to a report on "24 Oras" Friday, among those who received aid from the initiative were Sally Bedeo and Clemencia Guino-ohan.

Bedeo and her family have been staying in an evacuation center since their home was razed by the fire more than two months ago.

"Araw-araw, masakit 'yung ulo ko, t'as sa tindi ng init sabi ko sa edad ko na 'to, baka kako high blood ako," said Bedeo.

Guino-ohan, on the other hand, has been worrying about her husband, who suffered a mild stroke in 2014. He had been unable to continue taking his maintenance medication after losing them to the fire.

"'Di makabili ng gamot kasi iniisip na lang ang pangkain," said Guino-ohan.

For Hypertension Awareness Month this May, GMA Kapuso Foundation offered free electrocardiogram (ECG) tests to 100 residents affected by the fire in Brgy. Pinyahan and nearby areas, while 100 more underwent free HbA1c testing and medical consultations at Ever Commonwealth in Quezon City.

"ECG, tama pa ba ang heartbeat? 'Yung Hba1c naman, 'yung average sugars mo for the past two to three months," explained Dr. Biboy Molando, Medical Officer III at the Quezon City Health Department.

According to Molando, patients with hypertension are getting younger and younger.

"Mas bumabata ang nagkakaroon ng hypertension. Paninigarilyo, alak, lagi na lang kumakain ng maaalat, matataba, at sobrang matatamis," he said.

Aside from the free medical services, the GMA Kapuso Foundation also distributed free medicines, food, special prizes, and giveaways. A lecture about hypertension, as well as a Zumba session, was also held.

Kapuso volunteer artists likewise performed at the event and spread joy to the beneficiaries.

"Inimbitahan natin talaga 'yung mga fire victims. Apart from relief goods, ano pa 'yung ibang mga tulong na pwedeng maiabot sa kanila?" said GMA Kapuso Foundation AVP and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog.

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation's projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, Shopee, and Palawan Pay. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.—CDC, GMA News