Abilan, Buenavista – Eighty (80) members of Gawad Kalinga (GK) Abilan benefited from the Caraga State University- School of Medicine’s (CSU-SOM) Gawad Kalusugan Caravan, which marked the kickoff of the university’s Medicine Week celebration.
Spearheaded by SOM faculty-doctors, the day-long outreach translated the school’s vision of community-centered healthcare into tangible, life-enhancing service, anchored in its overarching Five-Star Physician curriculum. The event was also graced by Hon. Victor Emmanuel “Butch” A. Ozarraga, former member of the CSU Board of Regents and Head of the GK Institute for Sustainable Development. Also in attendance were Barangay Captain Hon. Adelina C. Sobrevega, Municipal Health Officer Dr. Romet Tobias M. Racho, and GK Kapitbahayan President Mr. Dexter Reblica, who expressed their appreciation to SOM for making essential healthcare services accessible to their community.
Residents availed themselves of a wide range of free services including medical and obstetrics consultations, vital signs monitoring, electrocardiograms (ECG), uric acid testing, cholesterol testing, random blood sugar testing, and milk tasting (Entresol/Diabetasol). Notably, specialized screenings that are not yet widely available in Caraga, such as the Nerve Screening Test, Ankle-Brachial Index Test, and Bone Densitometry, were also offered. Free vitamins and medications were then distributed.
This year’s Medicine Week, held from July 21 to 25, will hold the ceremonial launching of the School of Medicine and its Doctor of Medicine Program on July 25. On July 23, SOM will extend similar wellness and medical services to CSU’s faculty and staff. This activity supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
