CARD MRI RBI holds Community Health Day during Kaunlaran Caravan in Sta. Maria, Laguna

“We are in the business of poverty eradication,” highlighted Ms. Elma Valenzuela, president and chief Executive Officer of CARD MRI Rural Bank, Inc. during the Kaunlaran Caravan held on March 6, 2020 in Sta. Maria, Laguna.

Aside from financial freedom, Ms. Valenzuela reiterated the importance of physical health and wellness of CARD MRI’s clients during her speech.

Through the caravan’s Community Health Day (CHD) initiative, optical, dental, and medical check-ups were held in collaboration with CARD MRI’s Microfinance and Health Protection (MaHP) Unit and other  partner doctors and clinics.

The free optical service, for example, was made possible through the help of Aguila-Mendoza Visual Care Clinic who also provided quality frames and lenses, sold at affordable prices during the program. On the farthest side of the town’s covered court, children and adults availed the free dental checkup. Some also availed free tooth extraction, in which only Php 35 has to be paid for anesthesia.

Medical consultations, breast examination, and checkup on women’s reproductive health were also conducted by partner doctors. Dr. Michelle Anne Dy-Menil of the MaHP unit also led a timely awareness and prevention discussion regarding the recent Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

“Ang Coronavirus ay isang virus na maraming-maraming klase,” said Dr. Dy-Menil, who discussed about the types of coronaviruses, among them MERS-Cov, that can be contracted by both humans and animals through close contact. With this, proper handwashing with soap and water, sanitation, and an avoidance to physical contact like hugging or kissing, both humans and their pets, must be observed. Alongside this, Dr. Dy-Menil encouraged the attendees to avoid the discrimination against nationalities that contracted COVID-19.

To experience the full benefits from the health program, CARD MRI RBI members and non-members also had the chance to purchase vitamins, antibiotics, and other doctor prescribed medicines discounted at 20% through BotiCARD, Inc., CARD MRI’s pharmacy that offers safe and affordable generic medicines.

Free massage, haircut, manicure, and pedicure were also organized to further enrich the total wellness of the community.

A total of 448 clients, including members, their dependents, and non-members, were served during the Community Health Day. Among these, 210 attendees benefited from the medical checkup including four pregnant women.