By Anthony A. Araos
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Ifugao’s pursuit of a well-attuned program to promote the people’s health also comes at a time when poor folks at the capital town of Lagawe are struggling to remain optimistic with the prospect of availing services from a doctor.
Many of them in the distant villages of Abinuan, Dulao, Jucbong, Tupaya or Caba are unable to do so because of obvious reasons. Many villages are just as unlucky. In these poverty-stricken villages, many of these folks haven’t even met a doctor in their lifetime. Clearly troubled by their hardships, Mayor Lesli Roy “Bambi” Nayahangan conducted a Medical Mission at the Lagawe Central School grounds during the town’s Senior Citizens day.
What will be discussed below are the consequences in everyday life which changed or become more focused as a result of the mounting health problems of the people, most especially the poor.
Mayor Nayahangan, together with his brother Lee Byron Nayahangan and doctors led a relief effort for persons in dire need of medical assistance as part of his commitment to continue supporting the marginalized sector to overcome their financial woes.
“We have an opportunity here to help our senior citizens during this medical mission,” the mayor said.
Nothing could deter him, not even the municipal government’s apparent limited resources, from achieving this goal.
And so, some folks flocked the free medical clinic’s mammoth tents just beside the main program’s venue. I noticed that there is a small percentage of aged folks in the clinic. Many of them are from upper middle class families rather than low-income families. Clearly, the widest majority of elderly attendees opted to watch a program replete of numerous songs and long speeches. When there were long lines of very hungry old folks, it was surely a chaotic scene. Even the poor folks from remote and underserved villages, however, were expected to be treated with dignity by serving them food at their seats. If there is one thing guests who served as judges during the chorale contest are good at, it’s about sitting at the presidential table and being served the best food around while these old folks rushed and nearly crushed to get their meals. That’s disgusting, to say the least.
Nonetheless, identifying senior citizens listed in the 4Ps program is vital. With the high cost of medicines, hospitalization and escalating prices of goods and services, a free clinic as this one offers considerable relief to struggling elderly. Medication drugs are still highly-priced. Stop making excuses and alibis. Nobody cares about their stupid explanations- while massive corruption in high place persists.
In what ways did the medical mission change during this crucial period?
Development of projects such as this that will ensure the continued well-being of the people is commendable. Seniors at far-away barangays would not go to the Ifugao General Hospital at Barangay Poblacion North and inspire them to prioritize their own well-being. I’ve argued before, that health promotion is very important in the barangay level. Simple as that!
The free medical clinic only takes place for a few hours. Beyond that: poor seniors don’t have access to these services. They deserve better from their government.
Maintenance of a healthy citizenry never instantly happens; it’s always a result of strong and inspiring leadership. Pay no attention to political squabbles. This activity was sponsored by the Bambi Cares Inc., another milestone in the push for the people’s welfare. What’s ahead: My prayers for success to those that make quality health services more accessible to the less fortunate. Surely Bambi truly cares!
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