DAVAO CITY – Hundreds of North Cotabato residents availed of various medical services and received yearend relief assistance a few days before Christmas.
The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) conducted a dental and medical outreach mission in Barangay New Leon in Aleosan and a mental health checkup in Carmen on December 19.

RESIDENTS of Barangay New Leon in Aleosan, North Cotabato avail of medical services from the provincial government. (Provincial Government of Cotabato)
In Aleosan, 180 residents benefited from free circumcision, dental extraction, and other medical services.
"Seventy-three children were given supplemental feeding. Complimentary food packs were provided for five malnourished children," a statement released by the provincial government said.
First District Board Member Sittie Eljorie Antao-Balisi, in behalf of Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, said the provincial government ensures that its constituents will have equal and quality access to all its services.
In Carmen, 54 patients availed of mental health checkup, which aims to assist people who are in need of interventions on mental health.
The provincial government prioritized those who are in need but cannot afford to pay mental health specialists, the statement added.
Along with the IPHO psychiatrist and psychometrician, mental health services were implemented with the Rural Health Unit Carmen.