BARMM holds medical-surgical mission in Tawi-Tawi, eyes 18,000 patients
COTABATO CITY (October 28, 2025) – The Bangsamoro Government, through the Ministry of Health (MOH), has launched a large-scale medical and surgical mission in Tawi-Tawi targeting more than 18,000 patients from across the province.
The initiative, conducted under the Oplan Serbisyong Angkop sa Mamamayan (OplanSAM) program of the Kasama MOH sa Kalusugan (KMS) and the Bangsamoro Health Outreach Program for Everyone (BHOPE), coincides with the 51st founding anniversary of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO)–Tawi-Tawi. The mission runs from October 27 to 30 at the Datu Halun Sakilan Memorial Hospital in Bongao.
Bangsamoro Health Minister Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding Jr. said the program aligns with the MOH’s mandate to deliver free and accessible healthcare across the region.
“The MOH and the government of the day under the leadership of Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua commit to ensure that the healthcare needs of every resident in the region are provided,” said Sinolinding, who also serves as a Member of the Parliament.
The OplanSAM team, in partnership with IPHO–Tawi-Tawi, is spearheading the mission, while BHOPE is providing logistical and medical support, including the distribution of medicines, 30 wheelchairs, 30 quad canes, and 30 crutches to the provincial health office.
IPHO–Tawi-Tawi Chief Dr. Sangkula Laja said the mission is expected to benefit around 18,000 residents from different municipalities.
“We call on everyone in the province to take advantage of this opportunity. This mission is a full package of health services,” Laja said in an interview with Radyo Suwara Tawi-Tawi 99.1 DXSL Sunlight-FM.
Laja expressed gratitude to the BARMM government, Minister Sinolinding, Members of Parliament, and Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael “Mang” Sali for their support.
Regional Coordinator Guiamalia A. Dimaren, RN, said the mission includes medical consultations such as internal medicine, pediatrics, OB-GYN, HEENT, dental, and eye services including cataract and pterygium procedures. Surgical operations include major cases like thyroid, parotid, and gallbladder surgeries, as well as minor procedures such as cyst excision and circumcision.
Public health services are also being offered, including HIV screening, tuberculosis case finding, family planning, immunization, nutrition programs, cervical cancer screening, PhilPEN assessment, and diabetes and hypertension management.
(Photos courtesy of Suwara Tawi-Tawi Page)
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