The Caloocan City government on Saturday, Oct. 15, held a simultaneous dermatological mission for around 400 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Caloocan City Jail.
The activity was conducted by Caloocan City Medical Center (CCMC) personnel in observation of the “Skin Disease Detection and Prevention Week.”
It is also in line with Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan’s goal of having an “inclusive government” where every residents, including the PDLs, can access different basic services.
“Ang gusto natin, inklusibo ang ating pag go-gobyerno na kabahagi ang bawat mamamayan, mayaman man o mahirap, maging ang mga may kapansanan at mga nasa lansangan ay ating mapaglilingkuran (What we want is an inclusive government that includes every citizen, whether rich or poor, even the disabled and those on the streets),” Malapitan said.
“Kaya’t sisikapin nating bigyan din ng karampatang serbisyo ang ating mga kababayan sa kulungan, lalo na kung para ito sa kanilang kalusugan at iba pang aspetong medikal (So we will also try to provide appropriate services to our citizens in prison, especially if it is for their health and other medical aspects),” he added.
CCMC Administrator Dr. Fernando Santos said the PDLs received free consultation on their general health and possible skin diseases such as eczema, scabies and boils, among others. They also distributed free medicine and facilitated laboratory assessments.
Meanwhile, the city government also conducted a medical mission in Villa Alicia Phase 1, in Barangay 171, where the residents received different health services such as free electrocardiogram tests, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and blood typing.
Volunteers from Valenzuela Medical Center, Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center and some barangay health workers helped during the activities, the city government said.
The National Skin Disease Detection and Prevention Week, observed every second week of November, aims to educate the public on the importance of self-examination, adequate skin care, early consultation with dermatologists for proper management of skin diseases, according to www.officialgazette.gov.ph