PCUP, PMA partners to bring medical assistance to urban poor communities

THE Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) and the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) have officially joined forces to bring much-needed medical assistance to urban poor communities.

PCUP Commissioner Reynaldo Galupo and PMA President Hector Santos met on Monday and forged a partnership to provide medical care and address the pressing healthcare needs of underprivileged and marginalized communities all over the country.

The alliance between the two agencies also aims to bridge the gap between medical communities and people who are in dire need of medical attention. Their collaborative efforts will kick off with a medical mission program in Purok 8 Brgy. Mahabang Parang, Angono, Rizal on April 30.

Through the initiative, the PCUP, together with volunteer doctors and healthcare professionals from PMA will deliver regular basic medical services like free consultations, circumcision, pre-natal, pediatrics, family medicine, and internal medicine, among others.

The medicines were donated by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. Chairman Alejandro Tengco.

Santos emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, "Nakikiisa ang PMA sa hangad ng PCUP na maghatid ng kalusugan para sa lahat. (PMA is one with PCUP in its desire to deliver health for all.)"

Galupo, for his part, said "The PCUP is doing everything it can to serve as a link to the urban poor by tapping other agencies to help in addressing the medical needs of our constituents, following our mandate."

"The PCUP and PMA have the same idea as far as public service is concerned. This collaborative effort will strengthen the ties between us, which is ultimately beneficial to our people," he added.

The meeting was arranged by former PMA President Jose Sabili, brother of current PCUP chairman Meynardo Sabili.

Sabili thanked Galupo "for exerting effort and walking an extra mile to serve the urban poor."