They say, "Health is Wealth" and that is totally right. Health should always come first. The Philippines is a third-world country where poor governance exists. Where Corrupt politicians and agencies pocketed the money for their own agendas. The perfect example of this is the 15 Billion Pesos stolen by PhilHealth Execs in fraud schemes.
Filipinos should not be deprived of their needs and health. I am saddened by the fact that there are people who self-diagnosed, resort to the albularyo, purchase skincare products that are not prescribed by dermatologists, borrow doctor's prescriptions from other patients, and etcetera. They do all of these things for one reason --- their health. They resort to the cheapest and convenient ways to treat their illnesses.
I have curated some of the institutions that offer free health consultations for your mental health, skin problems, and HIV/ STI test.
Mental Health Matters PH
Mental Health Matters PH is founded by Kylie Versoza, a mental health advocate, and 2016 Miss International Winner. Kylie partnered with KonsultaMD to provide mental health support and awareness to the Filipino people.
How to avail KonsultaMD's free mental health consultation?
Download Konsulta.md app
To use free mental health and counseling, use code: KMDKYLIE
You can also follow Mental Health Matters PH social media accounts:
Instagram: @mentalhealthmattersph
FREE Teledermatology Service
The institutions that are included in the photo are the Philippine Dermatological Society Accredited Institutions that give free teledermatology services.
How to avail their free teledermatology services?
1. Just search pds.org.ph, choose the first one that appeared on your screen.
2. Upon clicking you will see the different institution's information. Choose any and you may contact them via their Facebook page, telephone numbers, and emails.
3. There is a form that you are going to fill up and after that, send DONE.
4. Send the photo of your skin problems and stay online until one of the residents contacts you.
Also, do not post your conversation between you and the Doctor. And never share your doctor's prescription with anyone. Since these are teledermatology institutions, they will be asking you if it's okay to record your skin case/ problem for their learnings. You can also decline and still proceed with the consultation. You will also be needing to provide your parent's name if you are a minor/ below 18 years old.
LoveYourself Inc.
LoveYourself Inc. is a community of volunteers that aim to reach out to others to propagate ideas, attitudes, and practices that encourage loving oneself -- to DARE to be oneself, to CARE for oneself, and to SHARE oneself as a way to multiplying joy.
Source: LoveYourself Inc. | LinkedIn
This community also gives out free HIV/ STI testing, refill, telemedicine, labs & other needs. They are also now giving a FREE SelfCare kit where you do your HIV screening just in the comfort of your homes. To order your own FREE SelfCare kit, go to: m.me/SelfCare2S
Get yourself tested. Let us #stopthestigma.
OVP Medical Assistance Application Form
Disclaimer: I've read this on Vice President Leni Robredo's reply to one of the Filipinos that are in need of medical assistance. I just copied this.
[A] Narito po ang requirements para sa Laboratory/Diagnostic Procedure na maaari pong matanggap sa pamamagitan ng Guarantee Letter
1. Accomplished OVP Medical Assistance Application Form
2. Endorsement letter galing sa ospital/healthcare facility (nagsasabing bukas sila sa pagtanggap sila ng Guarantee Letter mula sa OVP)
3. Medical o Clinical Abstract/Medical Certificate (valid ng 6 months; nakukuha sa inyong doktor)
4. Request for Laboratory/Diagnostic Procedure (nakukuha sa doktor kung saan nagpa-konsulta ang pasyente)
5. Quotation (nakasaad dito ang presyo ng laboratory/diagnostic procedure)
6. Social Case Study Report (nakukuha sa lokal na opisina ng DSWD kung saan naninirahan ang pasyente)
7. ID ng pasyente at requester (photocopy ng harap at likod ng isang government ID o company ID; kung isang minor ang pasyente, maaaring birth certificate ang ipasa)
8. Bank Details ng ospital (pangalan at branch ng bangko, account number, account name, type ng account)
9. Contact person, contact details at email address ng ospital
Para ma-download ang Application Form, at para sa kabuuang detalye ng requirements, maaari pong i-click ang link na ito: https://ovp.gov.ph/programs/medical-assistance
Kapag kumpleto na po, maaring i-send sa pad@ovp.gov.ph ang mga dokumento. Maaari niyo ring ihulog ang mga requirements sa ating Public Assistance drop box sa ating extension office sa BenLor Bldg., 1184 Quezon Ave., Quezon City, mula 8AM hanggang 12PM.
Salamat po.
You can also ask your municipal hall if they provide Medical Assistance.
Final Thoughts...
Please have patience and be kind while talking to the Doctors during the consultations. Remember that these are just FREE services. Anyway, these are just easy to avail as long as you follow the instructions. Most of them are self-explanatory.
Author's Note:
I have been wanting to write this topic for so long but I have to be patient because I need to curate institutions that give free services. Know that this topic is very close to my heart since I also experienced self-diagnosing and purchasing products that weren't really helpful for my skin problems.
Let us all participate to #stopthestigma and help one another. Get tested and please get yourself vaccinated. Avoid self-diagnosing and start seeking professional advice.
Fin.
Check out my previous articles:
Hindi ko alam na may ganito pala. Imma save this one hihi. I might ask help to the teledermatology for my skin status 😅 thanks anyways.