More than 500 individuals received free surgical and other medical care during the second round of mobile surgical mission held August 17 to 19, 2011 at Bindoy District Hospital in Bindoy, Negros Oriental.

The surgical team performed a total of nine major operations and 65 minor operations involving fractures and lumps during the three-day surgical mission, according to Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo.

Other medical services rendered during the mission were the following: 313 consultations; 50 dental services; 48 for both haircuts and massage; and 16 circumcision, 9 pterygium and 27 cataract procedures.

Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo lauded the surgical mission, saying that it is an effective tool in reaching out to Negrenses with ailments without having to travel all the way to the province’s capital, Dumaguete City, to seek medical help.

Degamo reiterated his appreciation to all the private and public agencies who took part in the surgical mission in Bindoy, such as the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Philippine Academy of Medical Specialists, Association of Cebu Eye Specialists, mayors of Bindoy, Ayungon and Tayasan and the chiefs of government hospitals and the provincial government medical personnel.

Sedillo said the third round of surgical mission is slated to be held at the Bayawan District Hospital targeting residents within the Sta. Catalina, Bayawan City and Basay inter-local health zone or STA. BAYABAS.

“The mission will either be done by end of October or early November,” said Sedillo.

The governor launched the mobile surgical mission early this year with the aim of expanding the customary medical mission.

During the surgical mission, a team of government and private doctors and health personnel goes around the province to conduct free surgical procedures in district hospitals. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)