Last May 11, third year Nursing Paulinians facilitated a free circumcision program performed by 14 doctors from St. Paul’s Hospital, from 8 am till 12 noon at Our Lady of Grace Building at St. Paul University Iloilo. The free circumcision program is a yearly event that takes place every summer as part of the requirements of the Nursing students in their Nursing Care Management 104, spearheaded by level III team leader and clinical instructor, Mrs. Ma. Lourdes Alvares. This yearly program started on 2006 and on its 9th year, the program catered to 51 boys between 9 to 15 years old, all of whom came from the adopted barangays of the University.
On May 7, three days before the circumcision program, boys from Lapuz Norte, Jaro, and Calahunan, Mandurriao had their cardiopulmonary clearance at St. Paul University Iloilo to find out whether they were suitable for operation, free of any bleeding disorder or heart problems. When clearance was given to them, circumcision was then performed three days after.
BSN III Paulinians stationed at the Pharmacy are in charge of distributing the medicine to the patients.
The 46 third year nursing students divided themselves into teams with the guidance of their clinical instructors in order to accomplish their goal efficiently. After the registration, the boys were told to wait by the OLG Lobby. They were then called to either PT Laboratories 1 or 2 where the circumcision took place. After the surgery, the newly circumcised boys were accompanied by their mothers to attend a brief seminar on hygiene which was also given by the Nursing students themselves. All the boys were also given free medicine to relieve pain. The entire process ended with a snack.
This free circumcision event was beneficial for all the participants. One of the student leaders of the event, Daryl Faith Co said, “This endeavor developed our nursing skills especially in providing service in the operating room.” Stationed in the registration, Khaye Cortez said, “It is great to help those who are less fortunate.”
Mrs. Lilibeth Barcelona, a parent from Lapuz Norte, was present during the circumcision program and she brought her second son. She mentioned her first son also benefited in the free circumcision program two years aga. Feeling grateful, she said, “Salamat guid sa St. Paul sa libre nga circumsisyon (Thank you so much to St. Paul University for the free circumcision).”
Definitely, the free circumcision is owed to the doctors of St. Paul’s Hospital who helped in the event. They are Dr. Edwin Diño, Dr. Jesse Uy, Dr. Lister Leonida, Dr. Luis Dabao, Dr. Salvador Aguirre, Dr. Angeli Christine Braña, Dr. Cassandra Celis, Dr. Duren Tabugo, Dr. Hannah Mae Tabuga, Dr. Neza Kho Yute, Dr. Art Moreno, Dr. Cynthia Magno, Dr. Diane Hibianada, and Dr. Norbelle Monserate.