Caritas Family Hospital at 60

 

By: Jesusa Regala, RPh & Diane Manalang, RN

 

Caritas Family Hospital (CFH) celebrated its 60th Diamond Anniversary last November 27-28, 2013 with the theme "Service Excellence and Beyond". It was a well-planned celebration organized by the CFH Management Team. The 2-day anniversary celebration was marked by a variety of meaningful yet simple and merry events.

 

The first day started with a Holy Mass presided by Fr. Jerry T. Santos, SDB with Fr. Jayson B. David, SDB as homilist. It was attended by Caritas Health Shield's Board of Directors, officers and managers, Caritas Family College Administrators and CFH Administration, Consultants, Resident Doctors and Employees. The homilist commended the institution on the fact that being on its 60th year of existence obviously shows it has been tested, tried and proven as a healthcare provider. This makes the hospital truly deserving of a diamond celebration.

 

After the mass, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Geoffrey M. Martinez, gave a short inspirational and unifying message expressing gratitude to the original "old medical staff" represented by the Chief of Clinics, Dr. Rafael A.L. Ferrer, and presented his vision of our being a leading medical institution in the country. It was followed by the ribbon cutting and blessing ceremony of the ground floor facilities; namely, the Emergency Room, the Outpatient Unit, CT Scan, X-Ray, Parking Area, Lobby and the Pharmacy. A Gallery Exhibit depicting the hospital's history was, likewise, opened. Following a Filipino practice of wishing prosperity, the tossing of coins led by Ms. Ana Maria K. Escalona was very much enjoyed by everyone. In the afternoon, bloodletting of the employees was done in coordination with the Philippine Blood Bank agency. There were about 60 willing donors who participated.

 

On the second day, everyone was excited about the very first Fun Run ever organized by CFH. Registration started at 5:30 AM at the lobby and was attended by about 80 runners from the CFH Administration, employees, janitorial crew, and Clinica Caritas staff. The runners, clad in white printed shirts and holding banners, ran along AH Lacson Ave, Dapitan, Alfonso Mendoza, Laong Laan and Gelinos streets. Besides burning calories, the participants made sure the hospital's celebration was heard and made known to the community.

 

The highlight of the day was the Medical and Dental Mission which was successfully attended by more than 300 people from our neighboring communities. Physical examinations and multi-specialty consultations in Family Medicine, Pediatrics, OB-Gyn, Surgery, Internal Medicine and Dentistry were rendered by the hospital's highly qualified doctors. Blood sugar testing, ECG, Chest X-Ray and medicines were availed for free after their consultation. Deworming and feeding of the children were also offered.

 

In the afternoon, CFH also invited doctors for a lecture series for the community, not only to share their expertise but to emphasize that good health would lead to a better quality of life. Lecturers were Dr. Manuel Po, a Pediatric Allergologist, who spoke on the prevalence of allergy cases in pediatric patients; Dr. Arnulfo Cornejo, a Family Medicine specialist, who taught about living a healthy lifestyle; lastly, Dr. Buenaventura Reyes, a Urologist, who explained in layman's terms the importance and practical ways of maintaining healthy kidneys.

 

The over-all celebration was successful. It proved that Caritas Family Hospital is an institution where quality patient service is rendered and the passion of fulfilling one's sworn medical duty is valued. Indeed, Caritas Family hospital lives up to its motto: "Service to Humanity is Service to Almighty".