PSCM Intensifies Skin Awareness Campaign

Nearly 15,000 indigent patients with various forms of skin disorders have benefited from the 180 free clinics conducted so far by the Philippine Society of Cutaneous Medicine (PSCM) under its Skin Awareness Campaign. The campaign has for its theme Kalusugan ng Balat, Kayamanan ng Lahat.

    The program seeks to organize a system of dermatological care nationwide, impart knowledge and training at the community level on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common skin problems, and educate patients on basic skin care.

    Campaign chair Dr. Ma. Teresita Gabriel-Callueng reports that for this year 130 free clinics are lined up, reaching many far-flung areas of the country. The latest clinic was conducted in cooperation with the Couples for Christ September 22 in Nueva Ecija.

    PSCM members and residents and consultants of PSCM-accredited institutions-East Avenue Medical Center, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Ospital ng Maynila, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, and Davao Medical Center-join hands in conducting the clinics.

    PSCM also conducts school lectures on prevention of common dermatoses and promotion of skin hygiene. This year, lectures have been conducted in 30 schools. In cooperation with Janssen Research Council, Dr. Callueng also held interactive workshops on common skin infections in Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Osamis, and Pagadian cities. For its year-round anti-scabies drive, PSCM has chosen as beneficiary the Elsie Gatches Village home for mentally handicapped children.

    Menwhile, PSCM sponsored a fund-raising concert featuring the Ang4gettables. Proceeds will be used for its Christmas gift-giving project for abandoned leprosy patients at the Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center.

    On November 15, PSCM will mark is 30th anniversary, which will be highlighted by the grant of honorary membership to six foreign dermatologists and the launch of its coffee table book PSCM Pearls.