Medical Mission At Brgy Buruun, Iligan City
Posted July 4th, 2008 by Liberty B. Daitia
A medical mission was held at Purok 13, Brgy. Buruun, Iligan City on June 21, 2008. Private doctors with specialization on dermatology, pediatrics and internal medicine and the doctors from the City Health Department of Iligan City conducted the said medical mission. Company officials headed by Mr. John Cabarrus, Senior Vice-President for Smelter Operation were at hand to give support. Brgy. Kagawads Henry L. Duaban, Mariano F. Baricuatro, Jr. and Renato L. Ancis of Brgy. Buruun were also in attendance to witness the activity.
The main objective of the medical mission is to address the complaints of the purok residents about the skin irritation allegedly caused by the MCCI-PGMC Plant operation and to show that the company is concerned for the welfare of the host community by providing immediate medical assistance to the allegedly affected residents, as well as to gather medical information on the health condition of the said community. This activity is initiated by OIC - Regional Director Juanito A. Manzano Jr. of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau – 10.
A total of 164 patients were examined: 27 patients with dermatologic problems, 70 children with upper respiratory problems, and 67 patients with other diseases. Residents who were examined were given free medicines. All expenses incurred during the medical mission were charged to company funds.
According to Dr. Navarro, a dermatologist, the common skin disease is contact dermatitis which may be caused by a lot of environmental factors such as insect bites, plants and sensitivity to chemicals or metals including nickel. In case of children, majority were found to be inflicted with primary complex. As a recommendation, doctors advised the company to gather health and medical data from the local health department, 5 years back to establish the real cause of skin disease problem.