Carcar City, Cebu — August 30, 2025 — Just one day after delivering her first State of the Province Address (SOPA), Governor Pamela Baricuatro personally led the fourth leg of the Cebu Provincial Government’s Medical and Surgical Mission in Carcar City. The activity reaffirms her campaign promise of prioritizing quality and free healthcare services for all Cebuanos, particularly those in underserved communities.
The initiative, which is part of a province-wide healthcare program, has been rolling out in various municipalities to provide medical consultations, minor and major surgeries, and specialized health services to residents who otherwise may not have access to them.
Registration and Outreach Efforts
Residents of Carcar City began arriving early at the Carcar Gym, where the medical mission was organized. Registration started at 6:00 AM, ensuring that patients could avail themselves of early medical consultation and treatment.
The mission was designed to be comprehensive and inclusive, catering to a wide range of health needs across age groups. Services included:
- Medical Consultations for adults and pediatric patients
- Dental Services including extractions and preventive care
- Optometry and Ophthalmology with free reading glasses provided to those in need
The outreach demonstrates the provincial government’s commitment to preventive healthcare and its effort to bring essential services closer to the communities.
Medical and Surgical Services at Cebu Provincial Hospital – Carcar City
Beyond the consultations at the gym, select patients were referred to Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City for minor and major surgical procedures. These surgeries were offered at no cost, reflecting Governor Baricuatro’s dedication to equitable healthcare access.
Some of the procedures included:
- Minor Surgeries: cyst and lump removal
- Major Surgeries (for pre-screened patients):
- Thyroidectomy (Goiter removal)
- Hernioplasty (Hernia repair)
- Lap Cholecystectomy (Gallstone removal)
- Mastectomy (Breast cancer surgery)
- Parotidectomy (Parotid gland surgery)
- TAHBSO (Ovarian-Uterine Mass removal)
- Pterygium excision (Eye tissue removal)
- Thyroidectomy (Goiter removal)
The surgeries were conducted by a team of specialized doctors from partner hospitals and supported by medical students, volunteers, and allied health professionals.
Partnerships for Successful Implementation
The mission was made possible through collaboration between the Cebu Provincial Hospital – Carcar City, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, and Cebu Medical Society, among other key partners. Students from Gullas College of Medicine and Southwestern University also contributed to the success of the mission.
Other notable partners included:
- Philippine Dental Association Cebu Chapter, Inc.
- Kaambag Clinic of VSMMC
- Malasakit at Bayanihan
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Cebu Chapter
- Justice Geraldine Faith Econg
Through these partnerships, the provincial government ensured that the mission was both resource-efficient and comprehensive, reaching as many patients as possible with quality healthcare services.
Governor Baricuatro’s Commitment to Healthcare
Governor Baricuatro has consistently emphasized that healthcare is a fundamental right for all Cebuanos. Her administration’s province-wide medical and surgical mission embodies this principle by providing:
- Free medical consultations and health screenings
- Dental and vision care services
- Minor and major surgeries for pre-screened patients
- Health education and preventive care awareness
“Our goal is to ensure that no Cebuano is left behind when it comes to healthcare. We will continue to bring these services to every corner of the province,” said Gov. Baricuatro during the mission.
Her hands-on involvement demonstrates her dedication to not just policy-making, but also the direct delivery of healthcare services to communities in need.
Impact on the Community
Residents expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting its life-changing impact, especially for families who previously could not afford surgeries or specialist consultations.
One beneficiary remarked:
“I never imagined that I could have my eye problem treated for free. Governor Baricuatro’s program is truly helping us.”
The mission not only addresses immediate health concerns but also fosters public trust in government services, emphasizing the province’s role in preventive and curative healthcare.
A Continuous Province-Wide Effort
The Carcar City mission is the fourth leg of the Cebu Provincial Government’s ongoing medical and surgical program, with previous legs conducted in other municipalities across the province. The initiative will continue, reaching additional municipalities to ensure every Cebuano has access to health services regardless of location or income.
Through sustained efforts and strong partnerships with hospitals, medical societies, and local organizations, the provincial government aims to:
- Reduce preventable diseases
- Promote community health awareness
- Ensure timely access to critical medical services
- Build a healthier Cebu for future generations
Looking Forward: Health as a Priority
Governor Baricuatro’s leadership is redefining provincial healthcare services, ensuring that initiatives are people-centered, inclusive, and sustainable.
Her administration plans to expand the medical mission program by including:
- More specialty clinics for chronic illnesses
- Mobile health services for remote barangays
- Long-term health monitoring and follow-up care
- Integration with the provincial health promotion program for schools and communities
“Health is not a privilege; it is a right. Our programs will ensure that every Cebuano can access quality healthcare when they need it,” she said.
By combining policy initiatives, community outreach, and surgical interventions, the provincial government is delivering on its promise of free and quality healthcare for all.
Conclusion
The fourth leg of the Capitol Medical and Surgical Mission in Carcar City is a clear manifestation of Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s commitment to healthcare excellence. By providing free consultations, surgeries, and specialized services, the mission bridges healthcare gaps in underserved communities, ensuring that all Cebuanos can access quality medical care.
Governor Baricuatro’s proactive approach continues to transform Cebu’s healthcare landscape, bringing the government closer to the people and fulfilling her campaign promise of healthcare as a fundamental right.
