The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Lifebank Microfinance Foundation, Inc.’s joint health caravan initiative has provided essential healthcare assistance and treatment to a total of 5,732 Filipinos across the country, aligned with the organization’s fervent advocacy to ensure the wellbeing of communities.
The PRC and Lifebank held 17 health caravans from September to November this year, reaching a total of 271 communities in Laguna, Cavite, Baguio, Ozamiz City, Zambales, Tarlac, Southern Leyte, Masbate, Occidental Mindoro, Albay, Camarines Sur, Negros Oriental, Nueva Ecija, Bukidnon, Cebu, Batangas, and Misamis Oriental.
Among the services given were free health consultation, health check-ups, basic medications, blood typing, health promotion and disease awareness activities. Hot meals were also provided to the beneficiaries.
“We are thankful to our partner, Lifebank Microfinance Foundation, whose support has enabled us to serve thousands of our most vulnerable people in many parts of the country.”
“Health caravans have been a staple of the Red Cross’ health services as we endeavor to help Filipinos build strong and healthy communities. We are thankful to our partner, Lifebank Microfinance Foundation, whose support has enabled us to serve thousands of our most vulnerable people in many parts of the country,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said.
“Health is a fundamental human right.”
“Health is a fundamental human right, yet many people in the Philippines still do not have access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare due to financial constraints or living conditions among other matters. In the Red Cross, we are steadfast in our mission to bring healthcare to these underserved communities at no cost,” PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang added.
The health caravan initiative will not be possible without the active involvement of PRC’s Medical Corps Volunteers and RC143 Volunteers.
In this partnership, the PRC was able to mobilize 103 volunteer doctors, 73 volunteer nurses, and 301 RC143 volunteers.
The PRC’s chapters and branches nationwide regularly conduct health caravans as part of the organization’s health services.
From January to November 2024, the PRC has conducted 510 health caravans, which have reached more than 1,000 communities and served over 131,632 individuals.
