The Great Shepherd Ministries (GSM) recently spearheaded a medical mission that has benefited 118 Filipino expatriates living in Bahrain. This undertaking has become possible through cooperation between Shifa Al Jazeera Hospital and the Filipino Pharmacists Association in Bahrain (FPAB), another milestone in the consistent effort of the Philippine Embassy Manama to enhance the well-being of Filipino overseas workers through its Health & Wellness Program.
The health activity held with free medical screenings include Complete Blood Count (CBC) (Blood Glucose Test, Lipid Profile test, Liver Function test, Kidney Function test), health management and wellness information were part of the outreach activities aimed at improving the health and lifestyles of Filipino expatriates in Bahrain.
The event is part of the “Handog Pamasko for Filipinos in Bahrain” program, was meant to extend health services and promote well-being among Filipinos living in the country.
It was led by Pastor Benny Melegrito, founder and head of The Great Shepherd Ministries, he expressed his deep gratitude for the collective efforts of the organizing team working for a common vision. During the program a plaque of appreciation was handed wholeheartedly to Shifa Al Jaseera Hospital. An atmosphere of inspiration and hope was felt emphasizing ‘’together working for one common goal’’.
As the day’s program rolled on and on, one could almost sense how much groundwork the ministry of serving other people, dispersing love and compassion across town.
It was a perfect avenue for the provision of basic health services to those who arguably may have had an access problem to health services. It underlined community support and the urgency that will be required in the process of making healthcare accessible.
Bing G. Puyo, President of the Filipino Pharmacists Association in Bahrain, thanked Shifa Al Jazeera Hospital for their continued support to their association each time a medical mission to Bahrain was held. She said ‘’ Shifa Al Jazeera Hospital has been a strong pillar in health care and a big factor in such missions for the betterment of health in the Filipino community.
Puyo appreciated how paramount it is that the local healthcare providers and community organizations collaborate in the service delivery. Aside from providing free medical check-ups, the FPAB association enables the people to know their body and general health.
The mission of FPAB is not only to render medical services, but to make individuals confident about their health.
The shared concern for healthcare access and quality service for the Filipino community in Bahrain has been realized through Shifa Al Jazeera Hospital’s collaboration with the FPAB combining the resources of a leading healthcare provider with the Great Shepherd Ministries.
This is a fine example of an initiative by local organizations, supported by the Philippine Embassy in coordination with the Filipino expatriate community, wherein much-needed healthcare resources can be made available to them.
The Health & Wellness Program of the Philippine Embassy has been very active in addressing a wide array of health concerns, raising awareness on various preventive measures, and offering necessary health services.
This joint undertaking has once again showcased the solid support from local organizations, the Philippine Embassy, and the Filipino expatriate community. The health event is one of the major steps in the continuing endeavor of improving the lives of Filipinos in Bahrain by providing them with access to essential health services while fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation.
While success was achieved in this medical mission due to tireless planning and coordination by organizations involved, the beneficiaries overall gave very positive feedback and some even thanked them for the healthcare resources made possible for them.
Many Filipinos in Bahrain have been facing a huge problem regarding access to medical care hence, programs like this can give relief to such burdens, especially towards healthier lifestyles.
The extended cooperation from organizations exemplified a spirit of cooperation that not only crosses borders but also oversteps cultural boundaries, leading ultimately to a healthier community.
The partnership is the power of collective activity in building a healthier community and shows that, with the right support, significant barriers can be achieved. All these groups are thereby contributing to addressing the health challenges and paving the way to sustain improvements in accessing healthcare for Filipinos living in Bahrain, thus contributing toward a brighter and healthier future for one and all.
In attendance were officers of Filipino Pharmacists Association in Bahrain, vice president Clariz Galapon, with its secretary, Arlene Husio; treasurer, Sheila Digan; Auditor, Chantal Bertono and Sergeant at Arms, Sheila Tadeo, Homer Mayocdan, Betsy Concillo, Maria Ausie Ajlan and Jane Sanchez.
