Cotabato City–The Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) recently completed a highly successful surgical mission in Basilan.
Dr. Michael Macion, an orthopedic surgeon, spearheaded the mission with minister Dr. Rizaldy Piang and officer-in-charge director general Dr. Tato Usman.
A team of medical professionals including general surgeons, ophthalmologists, internal medicine specialists, OB-Gyn doctors, anesthesiologists, ENT specialists, and orthopedic surgeons supported this three-day event held at the Lamitan District Hospital in Lamitan City.
The Philippine Navy Western Mindanao command vessel, BA485, transported Dr. Macion’s team from Zamboanga City to Basilan, where 118 patients received government services, including free medicines and surgeries.
Rheazel Nava Mongcal, mother of one-year and seven-month-old Mark Zeyn who was diagnosed with hernia, thanked the BARMM government for helping address her son’s health condition.
Julieta Villaneza, a 73-year-old from San Jose Maluong, was happy to have her cataracts treated through the surgical outreach program of MOH-BARMM without any financial burden. This program ensures universal access to necessary medical treatments.
Gov. Jim Hataman Saliman also visited the hospital to express his appreciation to the team of doctors and nurses for their dedication to the program. He thanked MOH-BARMM for their continuous support to the people of Lamitan and also advocated for the establishment of another hospital.
Dr. Harris Macapeges, a general surgeon specializing in vascular access for hemodialysis and Chief of Iranon District Hospital in Maguindanao del Norte, was delighted to have been part of the surgical team. He said this enabled him to serve the underprivileged residents of the islands.
Dr. Macion, head of the 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. He also thanked his fellow doctors who volunteered for the surgical program, citing their collective dedication to serving the people of BARMM.