Forrest Malakoff and his colleagues at Philos Health, a non-profit organization that assists rural communities in developing countries to improve health services to their residents, traveled to the town of Jagna in Bohol where they donated vital medical supplies and equipment as well as provided training to the doctors and nurses at the local hospital.

Mr. Malakoff visited the town of Jagna in Bohol in 2004 and was struck by the antiquated medical equipment in the town. He spoke with one of the local doctors who informed him that adequate health care was all but impossible under the circumstances.

“It wasn’t long before my mind started racing. As an administrator at Mills Peninsula Health Services, part of Sutter Health, I felt certain that I could help improve the health care and services of this community. I also felt compelled to give back to a country providing so many of the nurses and staff members I work with daily,” Mr. Malakoff said.

Give back he did, specifically to the Congressman Teodoro Galagar Memorial District Hospital (CTGMDH) which received millions of pesos’ worth of medical equipment and supplies from Philos Health. The donations were turned over to Governor Erico Aumentado of Bohol. The equipment given included electric beds with mattresses and bed sheets, and top-of-the-line sphygmomanometers on wheels.

Aside from donating to the hospital much needed equipment Mr. Malakoff even arranged the visit of a certified psychiatrist who specializes in rehabilitation medicine, Dr. Aftonomos who is the medical director of the Mills-Peninsula Rehabilitation Services Department.

Governor Aumentado commended Mayor Exuperio Lloren for his efforts in securing the medical equipment. The Governor said “I appreciate the efforts of Mayor Exam in linking up with donors; it eases the burden on an already stretched budget.”

The lack of funding is the main cause for the lack of medical supplies in the far flung town of Jagna and so the work of non-profits like Philos Health is crucial in improving the lives of many Boholanos.