Philippines

Interplast programs to the Philippines provide access to treatment for indigent patients who would otherwise be forced to live a life with treatable disability. 69 life changing operations were performed on 52 patients during the Interplast program delivered at the Benguet General Hospital, Baguio, in November 2008. Patient referrals and local coordination were provided by Interplast’s local partners, the Save Our Street Children Inc and the Cabrini Sisters. There is already a waiting list for next Interplast visit which has been scheduled for November 2009.

In January 2009, the Interplast program to Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines was delivered once again in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro City, the Philippine Service of Mercy and the German Doctors Hospital. Fifty nine patients were treated and 84 cleft procedures performed in total. A volunteer speech pathologist also accompanied the team and initiated training to staff in the assessment and management of speech problems commonly associated with cleft palate.  This important training will continue during the next program scheduled for October 2009.