The city government of Taguig announced that 60 persons with cleft lip and palate condition have benefited from the joint health program by the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital management and Smile Train Philippines.
Among the beneficiaries were seven-year-old Yhum Ashley Luciano and five-year-old Samantha Dorothy Alvez, who both underwent the free reconstructive surgery for cleft lip and palate in TPDH in 2011 and 2014, respectively, under the program.
The parents of Ashley and Samantha are grateful for the opportunity given by the city. Marvin Luciano, father of Ashley, noted his child had a second surgery in 2015 under the program—also free of charge.
“The second surgery of Ashley was a success. We are really thankful not only because there is a Smile Train program, but also because there are TPDH doctors and staff who assisted us from the processing of documents needed for the surgery up until our child’s discharge from the hospital. Thanks to them, both operations were hassle-free,” Luciano explained. Joel E. Zurbano
John Alvez narrated the preparations they had to undergo for baby Sam’s surgery. He and his wife are thankful to see that baby Sam is now a very energetic young lady who dreams of becoming a doctor, teacher, or a nurse.
TPDH officer-in-charge Dr. Anna Richie Quilatan said the beneficiaries of the Smile Train program do not have to pay for laboratory tests, pediatric clearance, proper surgery up until their discharge from TPDH.
“The Smile Train program enables them to have the chance to repair their cleft lip and palate as early as possible,” Dr. Quilatan added.
She encouraged those who have cleft lip and palate to visit the TPDH to avail of the program, which was started in 2010.
Smile Train has been providing free cleft lip and palate surgery to children from marginalized families in over 80 countries all over the world. It does this by partnering with local hospitals.
In 2015, the TPDH was recognized as a Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital by the Department of Health. The city government of Taguig continues to improve the quality of service at the hospital by acquiring new equipment and renovating its facilities.
Part of its upgrade is a fully operational ICU, brand new medical equipment including additional beds both for newborns and adults, a CT Scan, an Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test Machine which tests blood gas and an Ultrasound Machine.
Other significant improvements in health-care services under Mayor Lani Cayetano’s administration include the improved conditions of the 31 barangay health centers, which are all PhilHealth-accredited and the establishment of four Super Health Centers, which offer 24/7 services.
Taguig also provides door-to-door delivery of maintenance medicines for diabetes, asthma and hypertension, a citywide eye checkup and distribution of prescription glasses to senior citizens and students and a “Doctors On Call” program, which is designed for quick response to emergency calls or text through hotline “ª0917-8210896 and free home-care nursing services for bedridden patients.