Our Mission involves providing direct patient care, community education, and support for local health systems in the province of Baler, Philippines. Specifically, we have partnered with Aurora Memorial Hospital in Baler to deliver a range of essential healthcare services. These include performing minor surgeries, wound care, general consultations (covering diagnosis and treatment for common acute and chronic diseases), distributing free medications and eyeglasses to patients in need (funded by our organization), and conducting basic laboratory tests. Additionally, we have collected a variety of medical supplies and equipment, such as dressings, medical instruments, and a suction machine, to support the Mission. These resources will not only be utilized during the Mission but will also be left behind for local healthcare workers to use, ensuring continued support for the community. To enhance the long-term impact of our efforts, we will conduct an assessment of the most common diseases observed during the Mission. This evaluation will inform us of our planning for next year’s initiative, enabling us to target specialty providers and address specific healthcare needs more effectively. By combining direct care, resource provision, and strategic planning, our Mission aims to make a meaningful, sustainable difference in the health and well-being of the local community.
According to the Pacific Disaster Center Provincial Profile (2021), Aurora Province has only 0.64 physicians per 10,000 residents, ranking it as the 8th lowest in the Philippines. Despite universal health coverage, access to healthcare in Aurora, particularly in its rural areas, remains inconsistent and challenging. Many residents in these rural regions live far from healthcare facilities, making access both time-consuming and difficult. Additionally, rural health facilities often face critical shortages of staff, equipment, and essential supplies, which directly impacts the quality of care available to the community. For many individuals, healthcare costs, including transportation, medications, and medical procedures, can still pose significant financial burdens, even with universal health coverage in place. Furthermore, the disparity in healthcare quality between urban centers and rural areas in the Philippines is striking, with rural communities often receiving substandard care due to systemic limitations. This project aims to address these inequities by providing direct patient care, essential medical services, and much-needed medical supplies to underserved populations in Aurora Province. By focusing on rural communities where healthcare access is most limited, we hope to improve health outcomes, alleviate barriers to care, and empower local health systems to better meet the needs of their residents.
This medical mission is expected to create a lasting and multifaceted impact for the community served and for us as volunteers. For the local community, the Mission will provide critical healthcare services, including free consultations, medications, and minor procedures, to individuals who might otherwise face barriers to accessing care due to financial, geographic, or systemic challenges. Immediate medical needs will be addressed, and for some, this may mark their first interaction with healthcare providers. Additionally, one-on-one education sessions on disease prevention, lifestyle modifications, and dietary guidance will empower individuals to take proactive steps toward improving their health. While this Mission is not a permanent solution, it will help alleviate patient load and provide local healthcare staff with much-needed resources, training, and donated equipment to enhance their capacity for ongoing care. Beyond healthcare delivery, the Mission has the potential to foster hope and improve mental well-being among the community members by showing that they are valued and supported. The presence of an international team underscores the importance of global solidarity, which can inspire optimism and strengthen community morale. For me as a volunteer, this Mission represents an opportunity to contribute to global health equity in a resource-limited setting, especially in the country of my heritage. It provides a profound sense of purpose and connection, offering invaluable insights into the challenges faced by underserved populations. The experience will deepen my understanding of healthcare disparities and reinforce my commitment to addressing them. Furthermore, I hope this collaboration with PNAO and Aurora Memorial Hospital will lay the foundation for a sustainable, long-term partnership, paving the way for future missions that build upon the learnings and successes of this initiative.
