MANILA, Feb. 20, 2015 – A hospital in Parañaque run by a religious foundation, which is currently chaired by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle, offers cataract removal at a cost affordable for the poor.
Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc. president Sr. Eva Fidela Maamo, a surgeon, stands in front of Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Parañaque. (Photo: Oliver Samson)
Cataract surgery may cost Php 40, 000 and above in other medical institutions in the country, Sr. Eva Fidela Maamo, Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc. (FOLPMI) president, said on Wednesday.
Php3,000-surgery
But Our Lady of Peace Hospital conducts the surgery at Php 3, 000 only to patients, who bear PhilHealth cards, she noted.
To patients who are not PhilHealth cardholders, the surgery is still affordable at Php 8, 000 to P10, 000, said Maamo, who is a nun-surgeon.
Consultation for cataracts is free of charge, she said. Dr. Lito Briones, an eye specialist, conducts the consultations and surgeries.
According to FOLPMI secretary Sheila Muico, consultations are scheduled on Tuesday and Friday mornings, with surgeries scheduled everyMonday and Wednesday.
Regardless of religion
The affordable cataract surgery and free consultation are offered by Our Lady of Peace Hospital to patients from any part of the country, regardless of religious belief, Maamo noted.
FOLPMI, which was formerly chaired by the late Fr. James B. Reuter, is happy to be in the service of the poor, she said.
The hospital also offers free consultations and free cleft lip surgery to the poor, regardless whether or not the patient is holder of a health card, Maamo said.
Appointment for consultation can be set by phone at (02) 825-7653 or by visiting the foundation at Our Lady of Peace Hospital compound along Coastal Road, barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque. (Oliver Samson/CBCPNews)
