More than 1,500 Marikenyos received free medical services during a multi-specialty medical mission led by Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel III, in partnership with Manila Doctors Hospital, on March 8, 2025, at Barangka Elementary School in Marikina City.
Pimentel, joined by his wife, Special Envoy to the UAE Kathryna Yu Pimentel, personally oversaw the program, which provided medical consultations and diagnostic services to 1,255 patients.
Among them, 439 underwent eye examinations, 110 received OB-GYN consultations, 373 sought internal medicine checkups, 165 consulted ENT specialists, 95 visited pediatricians, and 73 had surgical consultations.
Additional services included X-rays for 80 patients, 2D Echo tests for 18, ECGs for 107, and pap smears for 81 women. Nine patients underwent minor surgeries, while screenings were conducted for cataracts, myoma, cleft lip and palate, goiter, hernia, and gallstones. Free medicines and eyeglasses were also distributed.
Barangay officials lauded the initiative for helping residents who cannot afford medical treatment.
“Halos lahat na binigay na tulong ni Senator Koko. Kaya, taga-Marikina, napakaganda at napakahusay nitong gawain kasi taongbayan ang nakikinabang,” said Kap. Danny Del Castillo of Brgy. Tañong.
Patients echoed their gratitude, emphasizing how the free medical mission eased their financial burden.
“Napakalaking bagay po sa amin kasi pag nagpapa-check up po ako nasa mahigit P1,000 mahigit po, e dito po libre.”
“Nagpapasalamat po ako dahil katulad po nyan, ENT saka OPTHA, saka magpapa-ECG po ako, libre na po ‘yun. Napakalaking bagay po sa amin kasi pag nagpapa-check up po ako nasa mahigit P1,000 mahigit po, e dito po libre,” said Remedios Guadalupe, a Brgy. Barangka resident.
Dr. Genaro L. Chan of Manila Doctors Hospital credited Pimentel’s efforts in making the initiative possible.
“We are a high-quality hospital, pero we take care of our marginalized patients.”
“Dahil sa effort niya (ni Senador Koko Pimentel), we become a big family of Marikina and the family of Manila Doctors. That is very true. We are a high-quality hospital, pero we take care of our marginalized patients,” Chan said.
The medical mission, which started last year, is Pimentel’s commitment to Marikenyos who need regular access to healthcare services.
On February 20, 2025, Manila Doctors Hospital recognized the contributions of Pimentel III in championing the health and well-being of Marikenyos.
The veteran legislator received the Championing Good Health and Well-Being Award and a Certificate of Recognition.
The SHINE Award (Service, Harmony, Integrity, Nurture, and Excellence) acknowledges his unwavering support for patients in need of social services.
“Sa pakikipagtulungan ng opisina ko sa Manila Doctors Hospital, mahigit 3,100 na mga Marikenyos ang natulungan sa pamamagitan ng libreng serbisyong medikal. Sinimulan natin ang Marikina Grand Health Caravan noong April 18, 2024, at sinundan natin ito ng dalawang medical missions noong June 29 at November 16, 2024,” the seasoned lawmaker explained.
In addition to these medical missions, Pimentel’s medical team conducts weekly house visits and distributes free medicines to Marikenyos.
