Over 6,000 Dinagat Islands residents benefit from BUCAS
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Caraga Regional Hospital-Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (CRH- BUCAS) Center in Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands, recorded a total patient census of 6,780 from December 2024 to April 2026. This milestone reflects the trust and confidence of the people of Dinagat Islands in government healthcare services.
More than just a number, the census symbolized the unwavering dedication of healthcare workers in delivering accessible, compassionate, and quality medical care to every Dinagatnon. The CRH-BUCAS Center of the Department of Health (DOH) stands as a beacon of hope and service for the well-being of grassroots communities.
With steadfast commitment and public service at its core, the CRH-BUCAS Center will continue serving the people of Dinagat Islands with excellence, compassion, and genuine care for all – a fulfillment of the healthcare agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Meanwhile, held at the CRH-BUCAS Center in Dinagat Islands, hundreds of residents in the province also benefitted from the recent medical mission spearheaded by the provincial government of Dinagat Islands and the SUI Generis medical team from May 1 to 2, where doctors, nurses, other medical practitioners, and volunteers provided free services, especially on major surgeries that helped the Dinagatnons who are challenged with costly treatments.
The major surgeries included thyroid (goiter), laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic herniorrhaphy for children and adults, hemorrhoids, colorectal and other anal surgeries, obstetrics and gynecology cases, arteriovenous (AV) fistula (creation and repair), surgery on cataract and pterygium, and surgery on cleft lip and palate. Other services provided were optometry, endoscopy, colonoscopy, electrocardiogram (ECG), ultrasound, and minor surgeries.
Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. expressed gratitude to the SUI Generis medical team for bringing free, quality healthcare services to the province. “Dako kaayo among kalipay ug pasalamat nga ang Dinagat Islands inyong gipili nga alagaran. Ang inyong pagdala sa inyong serbisyo diri sa probinsya naghatag usab og paglaum sa among katawhan, especially poor residents. (Thank you very much for choosing Dinagat Islands to benefit from your medical mission. The delivery of your services has also given our indigent residents a sense of hope.)
“Healthcare is one of our most important priorities, and this significant activity reminded us that we are not alone in this endeavor. We value your services, and you have our utmost respect,” Gov. Demerey said when he welcomed the members of the medical team headed by Executive Director Geraldine Faith Econg, JD. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with reports from CRH-BUCAS Center PDI and Dinagat Islands PIO)
