185 patients undergo surgery through outreach program of GMA Kapuso Foundation

A total of 185 patients with lumps, hernias, gallstones, and goiters successfully underwent surgery through the GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Give-a-Gift Surgical Outreach Program in partnership with the World Surgical Foundation and Valladolid District Hospital.

According to “24 Oras,” Friday, among those who were given help was Marites Vallar, who had gallstones.

“Pinilit kong pumunta dito kasi kailangan ko para maging OK ako. ‘Di ko na kayang magtiis ng masakit,” she said.

Maria Alperto’s three-year-old child with a hernia also underwent surgery.

“Nag-alala kaming pamilya dahil baka ma-impeksyon. Masaya na ako dahil meron nang kalunasan ‘yung kaniyang karamdaman,” Maria said.

Marites and Maria’s child were among the 185 patients from Negros Occidental and Cebu who benefitted through the program.

“Kadalasan ng mga mahihirap na pasyente, hindi nila nagagawa at nag-a-antay sila nang matagal, so malaking tulong 'yung partnership natin with GMA Kapuso at tsaka mga ibang partners dahil nakakagawa tayo ng libreng operasyon,” World Surgical Foundation Philippines President Dr. Marcus Lester Suntay said.

Valladolid District Hospital Chief Dr. Josephine Pahamtang also shared that the project's goal is to aid the underserved people of Negros Occidental.

“For those patients who have these cases, don't be afraid because all of these surgeons and nurses are well-trained,” she said.

For those who want to support GMA Kapuso Foundation’s initiatives, you may send your donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.

— Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News