"Operation: I Care" aims to provide free major and minor operations to bonafide residents who have been properly screened by the Mandaluyong City Medical Center (MCMC).
Gonzales said the program is part of his effort to provide free medical services and surgical operations to his indigent constituents who cannot afford costly surgical procedures.
"Surgery and other specialized operations continue to be very unaffordable to the common family," he said. "It is the aim of this project to provide these individuals the medical attention for their illnesses without making a dent in their pocket. These operations are absolutely free of charge."
He said the project aims to complete 30 to 50 major and 50 to 60 minor operations from Aug. 28 until Sept. 1.
Among the free surgical services are cholecyctectomy, thyroidectomy, herniorraphy, cleft lip repair, cancer surgery, excision of skin and soft tissue masses, excision of breast masses, cataract and cleft palate.
Dr. Rizaldy Carpeo, executive director of the city’s Task Force on Health Care Delivery, said the project would be participated in by 20 surgeons of MCMC and 10 volunteer doctors of Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (PAPRAS).
"This project is a manifestation of Mayor Gonzales’ commitment to make available the best medical attention to all especially the poor residents of Mandaluyong," he said, noting that medicines, hospital bills and food of the patients will all be free of charge.
The city government will allocate an average of P10,000 to P15,000 for each patient.
Part of the screening conducted by MCMC was urinalysis, ECG and X-ray. The screening started last Aug. 1.