German foundation donates Php2.5 million worth of medical equipment to Olongapo

The City of Olongapo recently received some P2.5 million worth of medical equipment from a German foundation in efforts to bring high value medical care to its residents.

26 units of medical equipment and instruments from Lotus Hilfsprogramme e.V. were inspected last March 4 at the Port of Manila by the German foundation led by its chairman, Heinrich Treutner, together with the city government representatives.

The equipment arrived in Olongapo City last week and were formally turned over by Toni Würkow of Lotus Hilfsprogramme e.V. to the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital.

The donation was made possible through the initiative of Dr. Amy Sanchez, president of the Association for Differently Abled Persons Zambales Inc. and Architect Tony Karr Balde III of CPDO.

Dr. Jesse Jewel Manuel, administrator of James L Gordon Memorial Hospital said that the equipment would significantly improve the medical services of the Hospital.

“As you know the city is low in cash and purchasing this kind of equipment for the hospital would be difficult for us. We are very thankful for the donation from Lotus Hilfsprogramme e.V,” Dr. Manuel said.

The donated medical instruments include a mobile electro-cardiogram system, ten blood sugar measuring system instruments, three dialysis machines, two dental chairs, four breath-therapy devices, one lung function machine, and other hospital items like gloves and syringes.

“Kinukulang ang mga machines. Ngayon dahil sa mga na-donate mas maraming maki-cater na pasyente at yong mga dating gamit lumang-luma na tulad ng ECG, at least ito bagong-bago na magagamit ng mga pasyente,” said Dra. Lugie Lipumano, consultant on health services.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino thanked Treutner and Würkow, adding that the donated machines would be of great help for patients, especially those who cannot afford to go to private hospitals.

“Tuloy tuloy po ang pagsasaayos ng ating hospital para po maserbisyuhan ng maganda ang ating mga kababayan at mga kapitbahay. Ito po ay dahan dahan nating aayusin at sa tulong po ng mga foundation tulad ng Lotus Hilfsprogramme ay maayos din natin ang ating pampublikong hospital,” Paulino said.

In addition, Paulino also implemented project SMILE since he assumed office last year.

“Simple lang yung project SMILE, sabi ko dapat lahat ng staff sa hospital laging naka smile, malaking bagay ito para sa mga pasyente. Hindi pwede yung naka simangot sa hospital, hindi magiging comfortable ang ating mga kababayan pag ganun,” Paulino added.

Lotus Hilfsprogramme is based in Germany and has been coordinating with the city since early April 2013 last year to bring the donations to the city.

PHOTO:
From left: Toni Würkow, Ronnie Dungog, Supply Officer of JLMGH Hospital, Dra Lugie Lipumano, Mr. Majarucon, Dr. Mendoza, Mr. Sanchez, Dr. Sanchez, Arch. TK Balde, Councilor Guerrero and Dr. Jewel Manuel.