In a press release, Sonny Y. Abing III, acting chief of the Provincial Information Office (PIO), said that Gov. Toto Tan led provincial officials on March 17 to welcome and recognize the invaluable service of a team of specialist from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) to the people of Sulu.
The province welcomed the medical team in simple ceremonies at IPHO-Sulu who arrived last March 16 from Manila via C130 military transport plane, carrying with them surgical equipment , medicines and medical supplies.
"Though my wife and children are not here, it gives me complete happiness in spending this day with the people, and knowing that we are able to do something to help ease those Tausugs who have medical ailments that need surgery without any financial burden. I consider this service as the greatest gift that I ever received," Gov. Totoh emphasized in his speech.
He also expressed gratitude to the AFP, IPHO-SULU and all those who made this service possible.
"I see a lot of improvements in Sulu, since the last time I came," Dr. Mike Alvarez, a member of the UP-PGH told the participants as he received the token of appreciation from the provincial government on behalf of his colleagues.
Meanwhile, Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur M. Tan commended the members of the surgical team for their selfless service to the people.
Abing said it was in 2008 that UP-PGH team first came to Sulu and provided free surgical services to the people.
Based on the report of IPHO-Sulu Chief, Dr. Fahra Tan-Omar, the free surgical services resulted to 10 patients who underwent Thyroidectomy, one patient on Parathyroidectomy, nine patients for cleft lip and palate, and 5 cases for gyne-surgical procedures. Additional surgical procedures performed were herniorrhaphy, parotidectomy and cysts removal procedures.
Dr. Tan-Omar also revealed that they are now augmenting services and resources of the surgical team to render a more comprehensive service and better treatment of surgical patients.
She also said that the surgical team had no hesitations in coming to Sulu.
"They are not worried on matters that pertain to security. The team is confident on this issue; its focus is to render the medical services needed by the people," Tan-Omar explained.
The free surgical mission for the People of Sulu started March 16 and lasted until March 21, 2014 at the Sulu Provincial Hospital. Medicines, supplies and other expenditures were taken care of by the Sulu provincial government.