A day after her first State of the Province Address, Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the fourth leg of the Capitol’s Medical and Surgical Mission in Carcar City on August 30, 2025. The initiative reflects her administration’s commitment to accessible and quality healthcare for all Cebuanos.
Inside the operating room at the Carcar City Provincial Hospital, doctors and nurses performed life-changing procedures for patients suffering from various conditions, including:
- Hernia – Repairing abdominal wall weaknesses
- Goiter – Thyroid gland enlargement removal
- Gallbladder Stones (Cholecystectomy) – Removing stones causing pain or infection
- Parotid Tumors – Surgical excision of salivary gland tumors
A Glimpse Inside the Operating Room
The operating rooms, fully equipped and staffed with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, ensured safe, professional healthcare delivery.
“It is incredible to witness the lives transformed in just one day. From simple hernia repairs to complex tumor removals, the mission demonstrates our commitment to quality healthcare,” said a provincial health officer.
Patients Reap the Benefits of Free Surgeries
Many patients who previously could not afford such procedures were treated at no cost, underscoring the administration’s priority on equitable access to health services. Some patients have struggled with chronic conditions for years, making these interventions life-changing and essential.
The Medical and Surgical Mission provided post-op care, including monitoring, medication, and follow-ups for full recovery.
Governor Baricuatro’s Health Initiative in Action
The Carcar City leg of the mission aligns with Governor Baricuatro’s broader healthcare reform agenda, which was highlighted during her SOPA. Her priorities include:
- Upgrading hospital facilities across Cebu
- Filling staffing gaps and hiring specialists
- Increasing surgical and medical mission coverage to underserved areas
“Healthcare is a basic right, not a privilege. Every Cebuano deserves access to quality medical services regardless of their socio-economic status,” Gov. Baricuatro said.
Community Impact and Future Plans
The successful completion of surgeries in Carcar City is part of a province-wide effort to improve public health. The mission has already treated hundreds of patients in various districts, providing preventive, curative, and emergency services.
Governor Baricuatro confirmed that future medical missions will expand to include:
- More specialty surgeries
- Mobile clinics to reach remote barangays
- Partnerships with private hospitals and NGOs to enhance coverage and quality
“This is just the beginning. Our vision is a Cebu where no one suffers needlessly because of inadequate health services,” the governor added.
Conclusion: Transforming Lives, One Surgery at a Time
Carcar City Provincial Hospital’s Medical Mission performs critical surgeries, saving lives and expanding quality healthcare across Cebu.
