60 major surgeries in 24 hours

CEBU, Philippines — On the first day of its free medical and surgical mission held at the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo City (CPH-Bogo), the Cebu provincial government achieved an extraordinary feat when its doctors completed 60 major surgeries within 24 hours.

The remarkable milestone, described by officials as unprecedented for the provincial hospital, was made possible through three operating rooms and five operating tables working continuously throughout the day.

Doctor Manuel Villamor noted that each of these major procedures would have cost between ?150,000 and ?200,000 in a private hospital, excluding doctors’ fees.

According to the Cebu Province’s Facebook page, the free medical mission delivered an estimated ?9 million to ?12 million worth of surgical services to patients who could not otherwise afford such procedures.

Doctor Henry Chua said the complex cases performed included laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones, adult and pediatric hernia repairs, and other specialized operations.

Teams of medical experts from Sui Generis Missions (SGM), Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery Core Group, and SGM anesthesia, nursing, and auxiliary teams, with support from industry partners conducted the surgical procedures.

Piso Public Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan expressed gratitude to all participating medical teams and partners for their “exemplary shared commitment” to making Cebu’s healthcare services “truly premier.”

“This mission is proof of what can be achieved when expertise, resources, and compassion are brought together to deliver world-class care closer to the people,” she said.

Catalan emphasized that the initiative reflects the strong collaboration between the provincial government and the medical community, under the leadership of Governor Pamela Baricuatro, ensuring quality healthcare even in underserved areas.

As of 8:37 p.m. on August 9, the partial tally of services provided included: 77 minor surgeries; general consultations for 101 adults, and 16 pediatric cases; 268 ophthalmology services; and 104 dental services.

The mission also extended legal and medical aid to local jails, with the help of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu Chapter.

Those done at Bogo City Jail were 33 legal consultations, 38 optical services, 31 dental services, and 48 tooth extractions, while those at Medellin Jail were 56 optical services, 44 dental services, and 61 tooth extractions.

HIV screening was also conducted, with 41 individuals screened and four enrolled in PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

The free medical and surgical missions of the provincial government will continue in CPH Danao City, Balamban, and Carcar City in the coming weekends of August, as part of Cebu province’s month-long founding anniversary celebration. (CEBU NEWS)