These are troubling times but Operation Smile Philippines (OS) is up to the task.
The organization continues to have an active part in changing the lives of people who are at the most need. This mission does not change even as the pandemic sweeps through the country. The Novel Coronavirus has changed the way we live from the ground up. It has disrupted society as we know it. But for OSP, it has only strengthened its resolve to continue reaching out and making a difference in the community.
Refocusing medical efforts
As part of a global movement of empowering communities to help those in need, Operation Smile globally has refocused its efforts to address the challenges posed by COVID-19. All while keeping true to its commitment to its pattens worldwide.
In the Philippines, OSP has been actively re-channeling its medical inventory to help different partner hospitals deal with the surge of patients. On top of the list is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). As our frontliners and even volunteers take on the virus, they need all the protection they can get.
The same is true for Operation Smile Vietnam and Guatemala. they have already redirected equipment and supplies over to medical frontliners. Global Operation Smile countries are providing gloves, masks, gowns, and even ventilators to areas where they can be of best use.
PPE Donation
In the Philippines, one of the biggest and most immediate needs of our healthcare workers are PPE. It is a crucial part of being able to provide care to patients afflicted with COVID-19. Through the help of Operation Smile Canada, OSP was able to provide PPE to our partner hospitals through our medical volunteers.
Some of the hospitals we helped are Sta Ana Hospital, Marikina St Vincent General Hospital, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, San Juan Medical Center, Valenzuela Medical Center, and even Southern Phils Medical Center. We also sent PPE to East Avenue Medical Center, National Kidney Transplant Institute, and Rizal Medical Center.
With the Cebu medical mission put-off, the medical cargo that was sent ahead was also donated to City. This was made possible with our partner foundation, the Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung (MSY) Foundation.
Patient commitment
Operation Smile Philippines remains committed to our mission of providing life-changing surgery. As our focus at present is helping in the fight against COVID-19, we also know that there are patients who are waiting to get the chance to have a new smile.
We are letting our patients know that as soon as it is safe to conduct our surgical missions, Operation Smile will resume cleft surgery all over the Philippines.