CARD MRI, ASA Philippines hold community health fairs

AT LEAST 1,700 microfinance clients and their dependents, and local residents of Mati, Davao Oriental and Tagum, Davao del Norte benefited from the community health day conducted by CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) and ASA Philippines.

The two Philippine-based microfinance institutions (MFIs), in cooperation with the rural health units of the said provinces,  rendered medical, dental, pediatric care, OB-GYN, and laboratory services during the health mission.

Medicines were also given for free to beneficiaries. The BotiCARD Inc., pharmacy and a member institution of CARD MRI, facilitated the distribution of medicines in the health fairs.

According to Marilyn M. Manila, Chairperson for MFIs for Health, community health day has been a regular effort of MFIs for its clients nationwide.

“We have been doing this since 2012. This time, CARD MRI and ASA Philippines hosted the health mission,” shared Manila adding that the activity is open for all.

MFIs for Health is a partnership among 21 MFIs in the Philippines. It shares mutual goal of inclusive provision of health services to microfinance clients as part of their overall social development.

“Through MFIs for Health, community health days are continuously held all over the country and gather various microfinance members and their dependents together for free medical and dental services, among others,” Manila said.

In 2000, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) declared microfinance as its flagship program for poverty alleviation.

“Microfinance is considered as an instrument in the poverty eradication. Beyond microfinance, the MFIs now look into providing health services to its clients as having sound health conditions is also essential in reaching development,” added Manila.

Manila said that the MFIs for Health already mapped strategically the areas to be reached for health missions this year.

Manila also thanked the local volunteers who assisted them in realizing their efforts.

The MFIs for Health already conducted 26 community health days across the country serving 29,153 Filipinos.