DOH-13 brings PuroKalusugan to Carmen, Agusan Norte
BUTUAN CITY -- Aiming to provide “puro ug kalidad nga serbisyong panglawas para sa katawhan,” the Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga, in partnership with the Provincial Health Office of Agusan del Norte, the local government unit of Carmen, barangay council of Rojales, Carmen PNP, Philippine Red Cross-Agusan del Norte, and other stakeholders, conducted the PuroKalusugan advocacy at Purok-7, Barangay Rojales, Carmen, Agusan del Norte on October 24.
Rojales Punong Barangay Joaquin Aparecio Jr. welcomed the community leaders and encouraged them to take advantage of the free services. Engr Sarah Jean Jumamoy, DMO IV of Carmen, Agusan del Norte presented an event overview. She emphasized the 8-priority health care services of the region, including maternal and child health; immunization; water, sanitation, and hygiene; nutrition; tuberculosis and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) control; and non-communicable diseases prevention and control programs.
Moreover, Dr. Sandria C. Yu, medical officer V of DOH Caraga, delivered an inspirational message emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare and encouraging active community participation. Ernest Darwin L. Esguerra, HEPO coordinator of the Butuan City Health Department, also expressed his gratitude to DOH-CHD Caraga for collaborating with them to reach the community and provide essential services.
Police Master Sergeant Jefferson Macabent from the Carmen Municipal Police Office discussed road safety to promote community safety. Following this, Gina Fe Lor, health education promotion officer II of PDOHO Agusan del Norte, led a health advocacy session focused on promoting community health awareness.
Carmen Mayor Ramon M. Calo also delivered a message of support, highlighting the event’s significance and expressing gratitude to DOH-CHD Caraga for its commitment to improving public health in Carmen.
The event featured a community dance, led by PDOHO Agusan del Norte staff, with the “PuroKalusugan” dance energizing the participants and promoting community spirit.
A total of 273 community members received the different health services, to wit:
- Philippine Package of
Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (PHILPEN) Risk Assessed: 228
-Consultation: 202
-Pharmacy services: 176
-X-ray exams: 74
-Laboratory services: 50
-Dental care: 28
-water, sanitation, and
Hygiene (WASH) education: 28
-Visual inspection with
Acetic Acid (VIA) screening: 7
-Blood donations: 10
- Bivalent oral polio vaccine
(bOPV) vaccination: 7
-Maternal health services (4
prenatal and 2 family planning): 6
-Nutritional assessments: 45
Additionally, pre-identified community members received the much-needed supplies, including:
-Jerry cans: 38
-Buntis kits: 8
-Hygiene kits: 4
The day’s activities concluded with closing remarks from Eva D. Palarca, Sangguniang Bayan member and chairperson on the Committee on Health, who expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of DOH-CHD Caraga and the local stakeholders in promoting community health. (DOH-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
