A senior high school student, whose life was saved by a doctor when she was still an infant, has been inspired to take on a career in the medical profession so she can also save the lives of others.
Her story touched the hearts of many who encouraged her to pursue this goal.
The student, Arabella Garciano, shared a photo of her and the doctor on Twitter whom she met for the first time after seventeen years.
17 years ago, a sickly baby needed an operation because she has a cyst on her chest. The mother only has ₱40 on her wallet. But this doctor operated the child. For free.
And that is why I need to become a doctor. I need to share the same kindness I was lucky enough to receive. pic.twitter.com/DBea1TXdNZ
— Arabella (@bellagarciano) January 23, 2019
She introduced the doctor as Dr. Maribel Du, a pediatric surgeon from University of Cebu Medical Center.
The need for medical professionals
The lack of medical professionals and facilities in the country is a serious problem that the government has failed to solve in recent years.
According to a medical website, the Philippines has a ratio of only one doctor to 33,000 patients in 2016.
The Philippine Medical Association reported that there are 130,000 licensed physicians and only 70,000 doctors are active.
Overall, the report says that medical schools produce approximately 2,300 doctors every year.
With the recent passage of the Mental Health Law, the shortage of psychiatrists and specialized health care facilities was brought to light.
According to the World Health Organization, the country has a ratio of one psychiatrist for every 250,000 mentally ill patients.
