As we prepare for our 2009 round of clinics (Baclayon-Mantatao, Bohol 2009), I have provided the following for interested parties and potential donors a quick run down of what occurs before, during, and after a “mobile clinic.”
1) Preparation:
Our field officer in Bohol contacts the Municipal Health Officer (MHO) of a particular town. Towns are usually chosen via referral from doctors met in previously-held clinics, or by volunteers who have roots in those towns. The MHO provides a list of its most needy children, who are usually discovered after having been admitted by their parents or guardians for life-threatening illnesses or by word-of-mouth.
During this time, a call for donations and volunteers occurs. 1-2 weeks prior to departure, our director then purchases vitamins, medicines, and other supplies that cannot be obtained in the Philippines.
2) Mobile Clinic:
Upon arrival, the town MHO is visited and final preparations and scheduling occurs. On the day of the clinic, 1-2 volunteer doctors from the chosen town are there to help, as well as volunteer nurses, and general volunteers to help with set-up and supply distribution. Tasks like weigh-ins, sign-ins, and screenings are delegated among this facilitating group as well.
Each clinic usually requires 2 days - 1 day of screening and checkups and a follow-up day for specific families who need additional care, advice, and medicines which were not previously acquired for the first day.
3) Post-clinic:
Since only the most needy and sick children are aided, more often than not, we find children who are in need of surgeries. Usually ranging from colostomies, facial deformities, or cleft lips and palates, the clinic director and US-based volunteers then depart Bohol with a promise to the families that they will return with enough funds to pay for their respective surgeries and necessary hospital stays. An example of these “surgery-missions” can be found here. We also call these missions, our “special projects.”
For more information please call or email us! More updates to come.
-Albert “Aljay”
