The idea of having
C-CARES sprang from a belief that it could be done. It is true that
various health care financing schemes are already in place in the
city and even in other rural areas. The Department of Health (DOH)
is actually strongly supporting this advocacy. It is based on the
premise that it could help ensure a sustainable and effective health
care. It is even safe to say that it is not a new technology. More
often than not, however, the question "who will do it?"
as always, preludes. Sometimes we just pass it on, let other people
do it for us. We become mere spectators of the proceedings around
us. Where will we go? Somehow we have a choice to make, a task, which
could be little things for the betterment of the most number. Dr.
Eufronio Ferrera Jr., Medical officer and concurrently Officer-in-Charge
of Malipayon District Hospital understands the state of health care
in Corcuera. He knew its intricacies and the odds prevailing but his
optimism remained unruffled. The idea of putting up a community-based
health care financing scheme is foremost in his mind.
In a monthly meeting of the Malipayon District Hospital employees,
Dr. Ferrera tackled the idea before them and it was warmly welcomed.
They shared the same enthusiasm and belief that indeed it could be
beneficial to many. He then talked to Mrs. Noemi Madrona, a public
health nurse of the Rural Health Unit of Corcuera to which the idea
was already disclosed during a seminar in Odiongan to get feedback
from her co-workers in RHU. There were no hesitations among them,
just a resounding affirmation to the idea. A joint meeting was proposed.
C-CARES FIRST
MEETING
On November 20, 2002, the group convened for the first time at Malipayon
District Hospital. lt was attended by health personnel of RHU namely
Noemi Madrona, Norma Fallarme, Nancy Factor, Lina Fruelda and Norma
Fojas from the Malipayon District Hospital; Alily Fajutag, Lowella
Mazo, Leah Andrade, Pinky Fetalino, Arsita Fa,jilago and Dr. Ferrera.
Dr. Ferrera who presided the meeting presented the proposal to the
group. The core group immediately accepted the project proposal. There
were no hesitations. The initial draft of C-CARES was reviewed and
minor kinks were ironed out. It was a cordial meeting of the minds
so to speak vis-à-vis the health care inadequacy confronting
the community. lt might not be the answer but it could be part of
the solution. Everybody on that meeting agreed that it could be a
huge help to the whole community. Another meeting was proposed.
DECEMBER 2,
2002 C-CARES 2nd MEETING
After the first meeting, the group received positive feedback about
the plan. Though there were some doubting Thomases, the group's intense
enthusiasm prevailed. lt was agreed upon that massive information
dissemination be done in the grassroots. Barangay Health Workers will
be tapped to help spread the information about C-CARES. Implementing
guidelines were also finalized. Launching was also calendared on January
of the following year.
C-CARES LAUNCHING
It was the start of the year. It was a perfect day. The sun was beaming
and few clouds hovered over the blue sky. January 11, 2003 was a red-letter-day
for C-CARES. There's no stopping, no looking back. It was out in the
open. C-CARES was finally launched at Corcuera Amphitheater and in
attendance were teachers, BHW, Brgy. Captains, municipal employees,
health personnel, farmers, etc. Basically it came in all specter of
the community. Dr. Ferrera formally presented C-CARES - a community
based health care financing scheme. An open forum was held after the
presentation to answer questions and to quell doubts about it which,
humbly speaking, the group answered with satisfactorily. It was a
heartwarming affair. Our presentation went beyond expectations. Despite
the short preparation and decapitated information, the launching was,
nonetheless, a huge success. lt was very evident and, to say the least,
very consoling to see the enthusiasm and the ineffable warm acceptance
of those who attended the launching. lt was told in a simple language
that made everybody understood that it is not just a concern of one
but the whole community. C-CARES finally came in full-bloom.
PRESENTATION
TO SB
It was an initiative as we call it among the men and women of MDH/RHU.
We started it off for we believe that, among others, we have a social
responsibility to the community. This is our little contribution to
the good and welfare of the people of Corcuera. Yet we envision that
every member of the community be involved and be a partner in this
endeavor. Dr. Ferrera in its launching asked the local legislators
to adopt C-CARES through a resolution and throw their full support
to the program. The call did not fall on deaf ears. SB Eusebio Advincula,
Chairman, Committee on Health, made an initiative of inviting the
prime movers of C-CARES to its regular session. On January 17, 2003,
almost a week after it was launched, Dr. Ferrera together with Mrs.
Noemi Madrona presented C-CARES to the honorable members of the august
body. Again, the body headed by presiding officer Vice-Mayor Richard
Fruelda warmly accepted C-CARES. Most of them appreciated the wisdom
of it. Undeniably, this was again a great success for C-CARES.
LOOKING AHEAD
To date, more than a thousand have enrolled in C-CARES and still counting.
Surprisingly, it surpassed our projection of enrollees. Still, there
are still some quarters ambivalent about C-CARES. Yet the general
acceptance of the community is beyond compare. But then again, these
are all just prelude to its viability. A lot of things have still
to be done. A bundle of determination has yet to be unleashed and
a throng of guts has to be summoned to ensure that its existence and
objectives will be realized.
C-CARES is making sure that no stones will be left unturned. lt has
been doing some refinements to its implementing guidelines and other
operational details. It is aggressively promoting to the grassroots
through the unwavering support of the midwives and barangay health
workers. The determination is unblemished. The enthusiasm is unperturbed.
The success of C-CARES depends on the support of the community and
all sectors. But it is on the right track. The local legislators passed
and unanimously approved a resolution adopting the operation of C-CARES
in its regular session. There are also some individuals who are offering
their support to the cause. The LGU thru its chief executive, Mayor
Bibiano Fanlo, is very supportive.
Note: The above
story was previously submitted o the DOH Extension Office in Odiongan.
For some reasons the author made some revisions.
