KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — In a strong show of public service and compassion, medical and dental teams from Norala District Hospital (NDH) and South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) extended essential healthcare services to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) during a two-day outreach mission at the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center recently.Provincial Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. also underscored the importance of strengthening access to basic health and social services for vulnerable sectors, including Persons Deprived of Liberty,
“access to quality healthcare is a right that must be extended to all, without exception, especially those in vulnerable situations.”
The mission was spearheaded by Dr. Jastin Parcon, bringing together healthcare professionals committed to delivering not only treatment but also dignity-centered care to individuals inside the facility.
The PDLs received a wide range of services, including medical consultations, dental check-ups, oral health assessments, and health education sessions focused on disease prevention and proper hygiene practices.
The initiative also sought to identify common health concerns among PDLs and provide timely guidance and appropriate medical intervention where necessary.
For many beneficiaries, the activity served as a rare but vital opportunity to access comprehensive healthcare services within the confines of the detention center, underscoring the importance of reaching even the most underserved and restricted populations.
Hospital officials emphasized that the mission forms part of a broader commitment to extend healthcare beyond hospital walls, ensuring that public health services remain inclusive, responsive, and accessible to all sectors of society.
The collaboration between NDH and SCPH further highlighted the growing strength of inter-hospital partnerships in South Cotabato, reinforcing shared efforts to promote community health and well-being across the province.
Beyond medical and dental care, the activity also carried a deeper message of compassion and rehabilitation, reminding stakeholders that access to healthcare remains a fundamental right regardless of circumstance.
With the successful conduct of the mission, both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to sustained outreach programs that bridge healthcare gaps and bring essential services closer to vulnerable communities.
