Operation Smile Int'l helps more than 700 indigent patients
Bacolod City -- More than 700 indigent patients with cleft lip and cleft palate deformities from different parts of Negros Occidental, Western Visayas, Davao and Cebu availed of free reconstructive surgery services of volunteer-doctors of Operation Smile International recently.
Edith Yotoko-Villanueva, Operation Smile Philippines president said that doctors, nurses, orthodontists and other health worker-volunteers screened about 569 children in Davao with cleft lip and palate deformities; 411 in Cebu and 394 in Silay City (Negros Occidental) or a total of 1,374 indigent-patients.
Villanueva said that Operation Smile International (OSI) operated 268 patients in Davao, 210 in Cebu and 299 in Silay City or a total of 707 children benefiting from OpSmile. Each operation costs between P70,000 to P100,000, Villanueva added.
The Negros Occidental mission, organized by H.O.P.E. Volunteers Foundation, Inc. was held at the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.
Dr. Laurence Loh, a cranio-facial surgeon, who served as chief doctor of this year's OpSmile international mission said that it is very encouraging to realize the enthusiasm and support given by the local government leaders to the OpSmile program. It is very inspiring, and this is the reason why they keep coming back to help the poor Filipino children.
The operation Smile is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year since its maiden international missions in 1982 in Naga City and Silay City.
The Norfolk, Virginia-based OpSmile International was founded by Dr. William Magee and wife, Kathleen, also a physician, and Dr. Rob Rubin, since early 80s, and has already conducted missions in 25 countries across the globe.
(PIA/CAD)