- “Salamat Dok” and “Hospital on Wheels” deliver public service to Albay
- Find out their next destination while learning more on how to care for the whole family on “Salamat Dok” at 6 am every Saturday and at 7:30 am every Sunday on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable Ch. 167).
After its launch in ABS-CBN’s long-running medical program “Salamat Dok,” the country’s first RP Healthcraft Carrier or “Hospital on Wheels” began its voyage to Albay, Bicol Region this February to bring public service to Filipino families affected by the activities of the Mayon Volcano.
On its first trip to the provinces, the “Hospital on Wheels,” was able to help 18 patients in Albay, who were operated on by volunteer doctors led by Dr. Jim Sanchez. About 600 Kapamilyas, meanwhile, availed of the free medical consultation in the medical mission held by the program at Bical National High School sa Sitio Bacal, Salvacion, Sto. Domingo, Albay.
One of the beneficiaries was Nilda Briobo, a mother who had a lump in her neck that already reached her jaw. Despite her condition, she would still do laundry for other people to augment the income of her husband, a construction worker. The mother of three children said she was overjoyed when she learned that “Salamat Dok” is bringing the “Hospital on Wheels” to their community in the hope that she can finally have the lump that has caused her physical and emotional pain removed.
After her successful operation, she said, “I am happy now because I no longer have to be shy in front of people. I am happy that my dream to have this operation finally happened.”
Nilda wasn’t the only one who went home with joy and relief. Apart from the free medical consultations, her kababayans also availed of free dental checkups from the dentist-couple Eugene and Teresita Ribu. The Rotary Club of Malate also handed out 300 relief packs, while the 9th Infantry division of the Philippine Army led by Lt. Col. Pat Cinco gave free haircuts.
The Bantay Bata 163 office in Naga City also conducted a stress debriefing, film showings, and games for up to 300 children in the evacuation center to help them deal with the trauma they experienced while fleeing their homes for safety.
Through the “Hospital on Wheels,” “Salamat Dok,” anchored by Alvin Elchico, Bernadette Sembrano-Aguinaldo, and Jing Castaneda, aims to help more Filipino families in far-flung areas who are unable to go to doctors and undergo operation.
Find out their next destination while learning more on how to care for the whole family on “Salamat Dok” at 6 am every Saturday and at 7:30 am every Sunday on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable Ch. 167). Watch online via iwantv.com.ph or skyondemand.com.ph. For updates, follow the program’s social media accounts on Facebook (@ABSCBNsalamatdok) and Twitter (@salamatdok).