The Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte, the Philippines, provides health care services to their community through numerous club actions.
Partnering with a local hospital
The club was invited to partner with the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMHMC)'s Multi-Sector Governance Council. As a partner, the club will help formulate policies and programs to deliver safe and comprehensive services to Northern Luzon.
Club president Helen Pascual, Ligaya Miguel, Mary Ang and Sally Aoigan lead the club officers and board of directors to hold a luncheon meeting with the MMMHMC representatives. At the luncheon, they formally acknowledged and accepted the invitation to be the premier hospital's partner in realizing their shared goal of delivering health services to the community.
Free medical, legal and counseling service program
Every second Saturday of the month, the club would provide free medical, legal and counseling services for women and children. This monthly event aimed to make healthcare, medication, and legal aid accessible to their community.
Recently, the club celebrated the program's first anniversary by partnering with the Medical Society for a Medical Mission and Tuli operation.
Knowing that many of the locals would attend, all club members assisted in some way at the event. Many Filipinos have become fearful of hospitals during the pandemic, and they forgo regular checkups and delayed procedures, often to their detriment.
The event benefitted many. About 88 lower-income women and elderly people were able to consult with doctors and left with free medication and vitamins, 50 young girls aged 9-12-years-old received varnish application and 87 young boys got circumcised without the financial burden to their parents.
The club also recruited lawyers to assist those seeking legal advice.
Pap smear and checkup
On 18 March, the club partnered with the Laoag City Social Welfare and Development Office to celebrate Women's Month by conducting pap smear tests and checkups. Club member and OB-GYN Dr. Geebee Ranada performed the tests and checkups.
Many of the beneficiaries were lower-income women from different barangays of Laoag City.