By Venus May H. Sarmiento

MORE than a thousand patients from the city availed of the free medical and dental services today at the People’s Astrodome sponsored by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office as part of its ‘Walang Kupas’ Roadshow.

The 31-member PCSO Medical Team comprising four doctors, four dentists, six nurses, three dental aids, three paramedics, two pharmacists & other medical personnel headed by Dr. Madel Ambrosio was augmented by the city’s medical team led by city health officer Leonardo Carbonell & Dr. Dy.

A total of 1,321 patients – 1,227 medical and 94 dental, including ECG patients – was served by the group.. Medicines & vitamins were also distributed to the beneficiaries.

City Mayor Alipio F. Fernandez Jr. who welcomed the group, was overwhelmed by this undertaking by PCSO.

“Labis na nagpapasalamat ang lungsod ng Dagupan sa medical mission na ito at sa libreng concert pa mamaya,” Fernandez said. “Nagpapasalamat kami kay Chairman Valencia at sa mga directors at medical team ng PCSO sa kanilang pagbibigay alaga sa mga beneficiaries dito sa Dagupan” Fernandez said.

Policarpio Tandoc, a patient from barangay Malued remarked that the medical mission is a big help to the people.

“Malaking tulong itong medical mission ng PCSO kasi may libre pa silang gamot, hindi katulad ng ibang medical mission na magrereseta lang pero bibili ka pa ng gamto sa labas” Tandoc said.

The Dagupan City event is the second leg of the PCSO roadshow for this quarter having started the first leg in Region II.

Though the years, the agency’s medical mission has proven to be an effective health intervention mechanism providing the less fortunate with access to basic medical services. (PIA-Pangasinan)