mysiquijor.com (Page 3) proposal

Medical Section (Page 3)

This is where our Medical Campaign began in March of 2004

(a personal message and proposal from the site administrator)

I have received a substantial amount of email during the past two years regarding the medical facilities on the island. The majority of the emails were simply requesting information about the availability of medical care in general. Others were concerned about possible complications arising from existing medical conditions. And still others were being critical about the quality of care available. To the best of my knowledge, all of these inquiries were made by foreigners living outside the Philippines.

To address the issue of quality medical care I will refer to the November 24, 2003 statement issued by the U.S. Department of state's Consular Information sheet for the Philippines. I submit this information from the USA solely because it is the only country's data of this nature with which I am familiar.

"MEDICAL FACILITIES: Adequate medical care is available in major cities, but even the best hospitals may not meet the standards of medical care, sanitation, and facilities provided by hospitals in the United States. Medical care is limited in rural and more remote areas. Most hospitals will require a down payment of estimated fees at the time of admission.

Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost several thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals in the Philippines often expect immediate cash payment for health services."

"MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations".

Most of us recognize that poor health and/or physical disabilities can limit one's travel outside of major countries. The world as a whole has made a lot of progress in awareness, respect and accessibility for travelers with disabilities. However, it is going to take a lot more work to create a worldwide barrier-free environment. We must accept the fact that given the current conditions on the island, it is not suitable for all tourists.

I know some foreigners that visit the Province of Siquijor in an attempt to cure their existing medical conditions. Whether it is the clean air, the relaxed stress-free life style, the sea-level atmosphere, the local diet, or some undeterminable therapeutic factor, many are successful in finding some relief from their ailments. But they are among the fortunate ones that can travel to this island paradise.

All of us have been exposed one way or another to the statistical fact that "most accidents occur in or close to home". Having said that, I acknowledge the fact that there have been, and will be, tourist related accidents on the island. Accidents can happen no matter where you are. There are things that all of us can do that will effect the laws of probability involved with the occurrence of accidents. Simply put...exercise caution and mature responsibility. No matter what the cause, when accidents involving personal injury that require medical assistance happen, we expect aid and we expect it NOW.

The medical facilities available on the island are sub-standard to most foreigners. Whether they can handle an emergency largely depends on the severity of the injury, if they have the equipment, medical supplies, and skilled personnel available. I will assure you that "the will" to offer aid is most definitely present and that the vast majority of injury cases are handled quite well indeed.

Travelers can rest assured that in the event advanced medical treatment is needed, Dumaguete City and Cebu City are nearby. Dumaguete City is home to Silliman University Medical Center as well as Holy Child Hospital. Cebu City offers Chong Hua Hospital and Cebu Doctor’s Hospital.

So what can we do about the few cases that could not be handled on the island? Unfortunately we cannot change what has already happened. We can only have an impact on the future. We need to only realistically acknowledge what the current medical capabilities on the island are, what they need (and we want them) to be, and how we are going to influence the transformation.

During a recent visit to the Provincial Hospital, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with the Provincial Health Officer Dr. Nell A. Alcoran, Chief of the Hospital Dr. Evelyn Cortes-Retana, Dr. Atad, Dr. Flores, as well as many other medical personnel in the province. As an outcome of those meetings, it is my sincere belief that "You" and MySiquijor.com can have a positive impact on the future medical capabilities of the province of Siquijor. I don't want to "point fingers" or dwell on what "might have, could have, should have been". These types of actions have only been counter-productive in the past. Let's concentrate on the future and do something constructive...let's make a difference.

(Proposal)

In the past two years MySiquijor.com has had visitors from over 57 countries that registered in excess of 400,000 visits. What I am proposing is that we all give something...no matter how small or how big. Many of us don't feel comfortable with monetary donations but there is an alternative. That other option is the donation of medical supplies. Personally, I want to make sure that my money is well spent so I will purchase the items myself. I will leave the funding of the hospital's infrastructure up to the local government.

I realize that there are some of you that have made donations to the Provincial Hospital or other medical facilities on the island in the past. And there are those of you that belong to organizations that donate to various Siquijor-related causes on a regular basis. I applaud each and every one of you for your generosity. All that I ask of you is that you just finish reading this page.

During my recent meetings on the island one of the doctors highlighted some needed items. Among those items were a simple box of examination gloves for less than $10.00 USD, Allis Forceps for less than $7.00 USD, Surgical Scissors for less than $30.00 USD, Sutures, cautery tips, virtually anything that is used in a hospital. For those of you that are wondering if a box of gloves can really make a difference...I invite you to "click here".

Most of the items needed are available on the Internet. For the same price as a couple of cocktails, dining out, or a night at the movies, you can donate something that might save someone's life. As a possible alternative to purchasing the supplies, I would also think that there are doctors and hospitals in foreign countries that would be more than happy to donate used instruments/equipment. Some medical items that foreign healthcare facilities might discard would certainly be a welcomed contribution. Another source for medical supplies is directly from the manufacturers of such items. I have been told that you can also purchase medical supplies in Cebu.

Your donation can be hand-carried by you (or a friend) the next time that you visit the island. Or you can ship it directly to the hospital. Be sure to mention that you are responding to the MySiquijor.com "Caring and Daring To Make a Difference" Medical Campaign.

Dr. Nell A. Alcoran

Siquijor Provincial Hospital

Pangi, Siquijor, Siquijor

6225 Philippines

Most of you have elected to send your donations to me and to have me handle the purchasing and delivery of the supplies. Complete details on donation methods are included on page 7 of this section. Phase two began (March 18, 2005) and will run until September 19, 2005.

As always, MySiquijor.com values your input. If you have any thoughts or suggestions on this matter, please don't hesitate to contact me.

"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world.

Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead

Let's make a difference...I DARE YOU!

Sincerely,

Siquijor Gary

PS. Please make sure that any electrical equipment is compatible.

This is a list of those people that chose to send monetary donations to me and requested that I purchase the medical supplies and arrange for the shipping to Siquijor. The donation segment of the MySiquiijor.com medical campaign's initial phase took place from 03/27/04 to 08/16/04. After the purchasing, shipping, and distribution of these supplies has transpired, all documents will be posted on this web site for public view.

Continue to Page 4

View our list of Donors

for Phase 1