JEDDAH, 28 December 2007 — To members of the Filipino community in the Kingdom who are not covered by medical insurance programs, here’s a tip from a community leader in Jeddah: Take advantage of the medical missions being conducted by various organizations.
“Kung mayroon kayong karamdaman, huwag hintayin na lumala (If you have a health problem, seek medical assistance early. Don’t wait for it to get worse), said Wenfred Castolome, the current chairman of the OFW Cooperative Council (OFWCC).
“Don’t be shy in attending medical missions because these are meant especially for those who are not covered by medical insurance programs, he said.
Castolome offered the advice in view of the case of a worker from St. Bernard town in Southern Leyte province, central Philippines, who is now in hospital due to complications in his health.
OFW Edgardo O. Bolocon is only 47 years old but because of an unattended illness that has affected his liver, he looks more than 60 years old.
Bolocon was brought to the Philippine Consulate General only on Dec. 24 by two other Filipinos, who claimed they could no longer keep the patient in their villa because their employer warned them to take him elsewhere.
At the consulate, the staff of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) took the patient in because of his condition.
“Our shelter is for distressed females only but the man was emaciated and he could not walk on his own so we decided to admit him temporarily. He could not even speak coherently and he had to write what he wanted to say,” said Welfare Officer Romeo Pablo.
Told of Bolocon’s condition, Castolome and incoming OFWCC Chairman Atoy Esguerra responded urgently.
Castolome brought in food and clothing and Esguerra came with two nurses, Marjorie Labio and Meris Mendoza Siacor, who gave intravenous fluids to Bolocon. The patient was made to rest at a makeshift room built by OWWA staff and wards beside the OWWA building.
Castolome said he has spoken by phone with relatives of Bolocon in the Philippines and informed them about the man’s condition. “We hope he will get well soon so that he can return home,” he said.
Bolocon was taken by consulate staff to King Fahd Hospital yesterday on instructions of Consul General Ezzedin Tago.
