by Mathew R. Medrano, MD and Fe Laarnie A. Camayang
As part of efforts to strengthen newborn screening services in the region, the Department of Health-Center for Health Development MIMAROPA, in partnership with the Philippine Society of Pediatric Metabolism and Endocrinology (PSPME), conducted a follow-up clinic in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on May 28-30, 2025 for patients with confirmed endocrine disorders.
Specialists in endocrinology and hematology were brought to the province to provide free consultations to selected patients diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism (CH), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and alpha thalassemia. These patients were identified by the Newborn Screening Continuity Clinic (NBSCC) MIMAROPA as eligible based on their newborn screening results.
The activity was led by Dr. Mathew Medrano of FHC-NRICH and Fe Laarnie Camayang, in collaboration with the NBSCC-MIMAROPA (Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital), Newborn Screening Reference Center (NSRC), PSPME, Dr. Carolyn Boongaling, Ospital ng Palawan, and PDOHO Palawan.
In addition to medical consultations, an orientation was held to deepen parents’ understanding of genetic conditions and the services available under the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially-Incapacitated Patients Program (MAIFIPP).
The activity was made possible through the support of the local government of Puerto Princesa and the local chief executives of the various municipalities in Palawan. It aimed to ensure continuous, adequate, and quality medical services for children requiring specialized care, while expanding access to appropriate support for their long-term health.
