GMA Kapuso Foundation brings free medical services to quake, flood-hit Sarangani residents

GMA Kapuso Foundation brought free healthcare services to quake- and flood-hit residents in Glan, Sarangani.

According to “24 Oras” on Friday, residents of Barangay Glan Padidu had spent around two months staying at a covered court after their community was hit by the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat.

One of them is Sol Dante, who sought medical attention for a recurring pain in his neck.

“I wanted to have my neck checked because it hurts when I work,” Sol said in Filipino.

His fellow resident Adam Dante, meanwhile, had been experiencing cough and colds after being exposed to heat, rain and dust.

“If you come from the heat and then get caught in the rain, you can catch a cold. Then, the cough could be caused by the dust,” he said in Filipino.

To help address the community’s healthcare needs, the GMA Kapuso Foundation provided free medical consultations, tooth extractions, and laboratory tests through its Kapuso Kalusugan Karavan.

Adam underwent a medical assessment for his cough.

“They’ve had a cough for one week, and the phlegm has become yellowish. They don’t have a fever. Their risk of pneumonia is low, so it is being managed with antibiotic therapy," said Medical Specialist II Dr. Marshinn Miomio said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Meanwhile, Sol underwent an ultrasound examination for the lump in his neck.

“It is highly considered to be a neck mass, followed by a nodular mass. The patient needs to be referred to a head and neck otolaryngology specialist," said occupational health physician Dr. Elvie Donado.

For Sol, the medical mission provided much-needed guidance on what steps to take next.

“This is a big help to me because now I know where I should go,” he said.

Aside from medical services, residents also received hygiene kits, food, medicines, and free haircuts.

In total, more than 1,000 residents from Barangay Mudan and Barangay Glan Padidu in Sarangani were assisted through the Kapuso Kalusugan Karavan.

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation 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.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News