Pagadian City – In celebration of Annual National Women’s Month, the province of Zamboanga del Sur officially launched the Center for Women’s Health at provincial hospital-the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center, March 01, 2021.
Provincial health officer Dr. Anatalio Cagampang Jr. said, that this project has been proposed last year to be done earlier but due to pandemic, it was delayed. Now that it is finally done, “it is a victory for women specially those who suffer sickness and cancerous diseases particularly in breast and reproductive organ.” he added.
The service caters monthly check up for patients with breast problem, pap smear, ultrasound, vasectomy and other reproductive organ examination and seminars. Dr. Cagampang stressed that every visit is free as it is covered by Philhealth and Malasakit program. What makes this mission doable is that, the center has 6 Ob gyne doctors, midwife and nurses to assist up to 100 patients a day.
The province is on the process of requesting for more preventive measure apparatus such as Mammogram for early detection of breast cancer, colposcopy to examine cervix, MRI scanner, ultrasound machine and other medical equipments.
1st district representative and deputy speaker Divina grace Yu said that the main objective of this project is to help the women to monitor their health and avert any health related issues to women where they don’t need to travel far for check up. “as a woman, I know how difficult for us to bear the pain silently, the struggle, especially when we reach 40’s…so we should prevent any circumstances that risk our health untimely. We also thank the national government to make this project a success.” she said.
Dr. Chandra Salvador, CWH head officer enlighten Zambosurians that effective on March 03, Pap smear test is available and free. As of the moment, patients can only avail regular check up and examination, pap smear and family planning. (Diocsil Sanico, RPN DXKP Pagadian OIC)
(Source: Facebook live interview with Cong. Divina Grace Yu, photo courtesy of Zamboanga del Sur press Bureau | Dr. Natzky Cagampang Facebook account)