Bridging the Gap — Bringing Healthcare to Vulnerable Communities
“Health is a human right, not a privilege.” —Dr. Tredos Adhanom
Access to Healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people worldwide especially in underserved and vulnerable communities —face significant barriers to receiving the care they need. Medical Missions play a vital role in bridging the gap among vulnerable communities, bringing them the healthcare services they need from preventive care to treatment and health education.
Health Assistance Program under the Community Building Services Unit maintains partnerships with volunteer doctors and nurses through the conduct of Medical, Dental and Operation Tuli Missions to the assisted communities of SACOP Integrated Community Organizing Program.
On February 21, 2025, the first medical mission for 2025 was held in Brgy. Mawacat, Floridablanca Pampanga as the new assisted community of the Integrated Community Organizing Program of SACOP. The medical mission was specifically held at Sitio Tirya which started at 8:00 am and ended at 12:00 in the afternoon. It was facilitated by the Community Building Services Unit staff and Unit Head, PANULU pharmacist, Social Work interns, barangay officials, volunteer doctors, and staff from the Municipal Health Office of Floridablanca, Pampanga.
Driven by compassion and a commitment to health equity and services, all the volunteers and staff led the launch of a medical mission to serve an indigenous community with limited access to health care. The medical mission provided free medical consultations, treatments by providing free medicines to the patients. A total of 56 patients were served which consisted of 30 children and 26 Adults.
Although medical missions aim to bridge healthcare gaps, various challenges often arise. One of the challenges that was encountered was the hour of travel in reaching the area considering also the rolling
roads ahead. The willingness to endure physical challenges underscores the dedication of our team in reaching the people in need. No matter how far it was, the passion was fueled with dedication even in the face of adversity, hope and healing can thrive.
On March 02, 2025, another Medical/ Dental/ Surgical mission was held at Sitio Matahimik, Brgy. Del Pilar, City of San Fernando Pampanga. This mission was sponsored by Mekeni Cabalen, INC. from Tampa Florida, USA in coordination with the Health Assistance Program of the Social Action Center of Pampanga (SACOP) which was also supported by the San Jose Parish, San Jose, City of San Fernando and volunteers from the Catholic Women’s League Inc. Sitio Matahimik is one of the assisted communities of the ICO Program and chosen as target of the said mission.
The Medical, Dental and Surgical mission officially started with a communion service officiated by a seminarian from the San Jose Parish at 8:30 am and concluded at 3:00 pm. The medical team was composed of 4 pediatric doctors, 3 doctors for adults, 1 doctor for surgery, 4 dentists and 3 dental assistants, 3 pharmacists, 4 nurses, 1 doctor for optical, and 2 pastors for counseling. A total of 100 patients were assisted for medical consultation with provisions of medicines, 60 patients for dental, and 40 patients received free reading glasses. 14 boys underwent circumcision and 2 patients received minor surgery. A total of 60 families received food bags while 150 individuals received hygiene kits.
While medical missions play a crucial role in providing care to underserved communities, it often faces significant obstacles. The Medical/Dental/Surgical mission was pushed through despite the heat index, limited medical supplies, and lack of proper facilities. Despite these challenges, all teams and organizations involved continued to serve with a sense of purpose even in the toughest moments.
After the two medical missions had ended, it became clear that the experiences were about more than just providing medical care — it was about connection, a shared purpose to serve these kinds of communities, bridging the gap, humility and the humanity that binds us all. The resilience of the communities and their gratitude despite hardships are truly remarkable impacts and powerful reminders that true healing goes both ways. While patients receive treatments, volunteers walk away with a renewed sense of purpose, gratitude, and understanding that even small acts of kindness can spark profound change. The lesson of empathy, equitable health care, and showing up with an open heart to these people even in the most difficult times will last a lifetime. –Jessica R. Santiago, RSW (SACOP Health Assistance Program)
