News

MANILA, Jan. 28, 2010─Two Catholic priests have been rushed to a Catholic-run medical center nearest the World Trade Center at mid-afternoon today after complaining of severe chest pains.

Dr. Ricardo Ledesma, head of the 2nd National Congress of the Clergy’s Medical Team, confirmed the emergency cases they attended to and referred to San Juan de Dios Medical Center in Pasay City.

Interviewed by CBCPNews, Dr. Ledesma said they attended to 105 priests last Monday, 233 patients last Tuesday and again 233 consultations yesterday with the most common complaints of hypertension.

“We were surprised to find so many cases of hypertension and heart problems from among our patients,” the 74-year old medical professional said.

Another priest was rushed to government-run Philippine Heart Center where he is currently undergoing observation after complaining of severe chest pains. However, Ledesma refused to identify the patients’ identities.

He said priests over 60 years old and those who have a history of heart ailments and hypertension should see them at the NCC II Clinic before participating in tomorrow’s 1.5 kilometer procession from World Trade Center to Cuneta Astrodome for the closing liturgy.

“The procession is scheduled to begin at 2:30 P.M. and the weather’s not conducive to the elderly,” Ledesma said.

He said the findings they have from the consultations made underscored the need for the Catholic Church to come up with a comprehensive health program.

Asked what may have triggered the rise in hypertension among priests attending the 2nd National Congress of the Clergy, Ledesma said the sessions may have been “emotionally draining” as it focused on the priests’ vocation and mission.

The sedentary lifestyle and lesser attention to medically-approved diet by most of the clergy was also another factor, he said.

“The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines should be able to device a program to focus on the health conditions of its priests through a comprehensive health program encouraging them to be pro-active through regular exercise and regular relaxation,” he added.

He added that priests should have at least two executive check-ups a year, especially for the more senior members of the clergy in each and every diocese or ecclesial province.

(Melo M. Acuna)