by Delvin Marquez
In line with its endeavor to enhance the health and well-being of the residents of one of MSU-IIT’s adopted barangays, Barangay Tibanga-Canaway, the MSU-IIT College of Nursing in partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension had recently conducted an “Operation Tuli” and health lecture series last May 17, 2013 at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the said barangay. This activity is part of the Institute-wide project: “”We Care: Pagtambayayong sa Paglambo sa Barangay Tibanga”, in order to offer safe and free circumcision to young boys and to enhance the base knowledge of those parents who actively participated in the health seminars. Through the help of volunteers from the 4th Mechanized Infantry (KALASAG) Battalion, CON alumni, doctors from the local City Hospital and volunteer doctors, MSU-IIT Clinic and College of Nursing clinical instructors, along with its college’s Executive Council and student volunteers, the activity benefited 127 clients for circumcision and 100-person strong audience for the health seminar. In addition, research findings from studies of Nursing students and their advisers with Brgy. Tibanga Canaway as the locale, were disseminated.
The planning and preparation began with the Institute Extension Committee strategic planning in the first quarter of 2013 wherein CON presented the proposals for the year. In March 2013, Extension representatives from the Institute met with officials from Barangay Tibanga-Canaway to talk about the services to be offered to the community. A series of planning and meetings by the College of Nursing, Institute Clinic representative, Department of Extension representatives, and Barangay Canaway representatives followed, mainly in April 2013 and in the first two weeks of May. Materials and Supplies were secured and communications were sent to possible partners. Clients for circumcision were pre-registered at the Barangay Health Center.
The event started with the opening remarks from Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Dr. Jinky B. Bornales, then a message from Dr. Sukarno D. Tanggol, MSU-IIT chancellor, and followed by a response from Mr. Camillo Anduyan, Tibanga’s barangay captain. There was a turn-over of commodes to the Home for the Aged. These commodes are the product of the funds generated from the Gender and Development Program activity, held last December, Fun Run 2012, which was spearheaded by the College of Nursing.
After the giving of commodes, the young boys lined up for the circumcision. Priority numbers were given as each client was accommodated in nine (9) separate operating tables set up. Simultaneously, the College of Nursing clinical instructors disseminated the following research outputs: “Maternal Obstacle Towards Adherence To Expanded Program on Immunization” by Atienza, Beaven Andrew, Coyoca, Gloria Sheila E.; Paler, Elvie A.; Abing, BRS; Calibugar, VLT; Galleposo, PMAT, and “Knowledge, Awareness and Health Practiced in Selected Urban and Rural Areas in Iligan City on Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension” by Orias, Jessica B.; Cadavos, Mach Michael T.; Justin C. and Revelo, Desiree Rose.
To help foster health teaching to the parents, another part of the program was a hand washing technique discourse by Ms. Geraldine S. Ridad, RN, a health lecture on Hypertension & URTI by Prof. Gloria Sheila E. Coyoca and Tuberculosis by Prof. Bernie A. Casera; and family planning procedures were discussed by selected students of CON. Towards the end of the program, more than 120 boys had been circumcised. To help facilitate the healing and prevent any complications, free medications (Paracetamol for pain relief and Amoxicillin for prevention of infection) were also prescribed and given to the clients right after the operation. The significant others accompanying the clients were given instructions on the prescribed dosage of the medication together with pertinent health teachings on post-circumcision care. They were also instructed to refer to the barangay health center for any inquiries or complaints thereafter.
There were no reported incidents of post operative infection or complications upon follow up by CON at the barangay health center.
ACTION PROGRAM 1: Operation Tuli. Attended by staff from the MSU-IIT Clinic; CON Faculty, Alumni,and Students; GTLMH doctors; 4th Mechanized Infantry Batallion; and Volunteer doctors.
Topics : health