News

Medical group reports 641 cases on 4th day of clergy congress

MANILA, Jan. 28, 2010─At least 641 medical cases have been treated by attending physicians on the fourth day of the ongoing national congress of the clergy.

Priests and bishops participating in the national congress are not only receiving a spiritual re-charging from the series of talks and religious activities they are having, they are also getting a free treatment for common ailments.

A medical committee is in charge of looking after the physical well-being of the delegates currently participating in the congress.

The medical group has reported that on the first day, the clinic had 105 patients, and 233 each both on second and third day of congress.

Dr. Ricardo Ledesma, head of NCC II medical committee said majority of the cases attended to involved headaches, dizziness, physical exhaustion, weakness, hypertension, infection and some other minor ailments.

Most of the patients were in their 60’s, he reported.

According to Dr. Ledesma, the excitement generated by the congress could have also added to the surge of cases of hypertension among some of the delegates.

“The prevailing atmosphere at the venue starting the first day could explain the percentage of hypertension, dizziness and headache,” said the doctor.

“I noticed the atmosphere of tears of joy from the priests compounded by seriousness to meet their commitment of integral renewal to their priesthood,” Ledesma observed.

Ledesma said his team is very happy to become part of the ecclesial event. He is also grateful to various hospitals who have lent the services of their doctors and nurses to assist the delegates.

Hospitals who offered the free services of their medical staff include San Juan de Dios Hospital, UST Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Department of Health, East Avenue Medical Center, and Quirino Memorial Medical Center.

Various pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer Phils., Westmont, I. Braun Medical Supplies, Abbot International and Pascual Laboratories, also gave free medicines to the clinic.

Ledesma said their services to the delegates include consultations and referrals to specialty consultants such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, pulmonologists, gastro-enterologists and ambulance services.