Pediatrics patients to benefit from concert

The daily 500 pediatric in-patients of the Department of Pediatrics of Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) are eyed to benefit from a Christmas Benefit Concert with Ryan Cayabyab, organized by Anak Kaugmaon Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the SPMC – Department of Pediatrics.

“With the presence of SPMC, a lot more patients from other provinces are coming to us so we have elevated the level of care,” said Dr. Aileen Elorde, SPMC patient services of pediatrics department Vice Chairman, during the Kapehan sa Dabaw yesterday.

“The bigger the number of patients, the more the needs,” said Elorde citing the vast needs of the 400-bed facility of the department which usually operates beyond capacity.

A major chunk of the benefits will proceed to supplementary financial support for medicines and antibiotics of the pediatric in-patients. Improved medical facilities are also among the project eyed from the proceeds of the concert.

“Philhealth, Lingap and PCSO coverages still do not suffice the patient’s bills, so it is one way of creating extended financial health for them,” Elorde said.

“The bigger the amount of money we can come up with, the better. We accounted at least 5,000 per patient however, we could not give it to all admitted patients,” Elorde, meanwhile, explained that there are limitations in the extended financial benefits.

Elorde added that considerations apply to be able to avail of the service — the urgency of the medical treatment and the need to undergo laboratory tests outside the city.

“Our residents will help us identify who badly needs the amount at that moment. We really hope to be able to provide to every patient but our present fund is not enough,” she stated.

Along with the National Artist for Music, the Kumukutikutitap concert will highlight the Ryan Cayabyab singers which will happen on December 22, 2018, 5:30 p.m. at the Malayan Colleges Mindanao Auditorium, MacArthur Highway, Matina.

Tickets range from P3000, P2500, P2000 and P1000 that may be paid through direct bank deposits through the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) JP Laurel Branch. (Julianne A. Suarez)