The medical mission, which was held at the University of the Philippines- Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), served almost 40 indigent patients.
The HFI has partnered with the UP-PGH and UP-PGH Cancer Institute for this project.
The customized Hyundai H-350 luxury van was equipped with state-of-the-art mammography and breast ultrasound facilities and is being manned by UP-PGH doctors and personnel.
The Alagang Breastfriend mobile diagnostic clinic will also be deployed to underserved communities to offer free screening for early signs of breast cancer and impart relevant information about the said disease.
HFI President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said that this first medical mission is just the beginning of “many more journeys” of the said mobile diagnostic clinic.
“I look forward to have more mobile diagnostic clinics go around the country to touch more lives and so touch base with more women. I believe that the earlier you get to know your state of health, the earlier you can find a solution,” she said.
Meanwhile, UP-PGH Executive Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi said that the project is “a good example for screening and preventive care that other health institutes could follow.”
“This project was realized just in time with the recent passing of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act and the Universal Health Care Act (UHC),” he said.
(This was originally posted at Manila Bulletin on June 29, 2019.)