Serving as the refuge of thousands of Filipinos daily, especially the indigent and the underserved, seeking quality healthcare, the Philippine General Hospital is aided by a large, non-profit, non-stock organization called the Sagip Buhay Medical Foundation (SAGIP) under the Department of Medicine in its mission to ensure the delivery of essential healthcare services. Founded in 1995, SAGIP has a pivotal role in giving patients and their families access to vital diagnostic examinations, drugs and treatment options in a resource-limited setting.
From its humble beginnings as a Drug Bank, SAGIP has grown exponentially to be a multi-faceted organization performing a leading role in granting medical assistance to more than 5000 charity patients of the Department of Medicine. Through the years, SAGIP has attracted generous companies, organizations and individuals dedicated towards filling the gaps in our struggling healthcare system. The amount of donations rendered by believers of the cause steadily increase yearly- from Php 900,000 in 2005 to more than Php 2 million by the year 2013. Through its socially relevant fundraising projects, SAGIP has helped make a difference in the lives of more than 800 patients annually. The quality of healthcare enjoyed by these patients has markedly improved through SAGIP.
Every year, this remarkable organization spearheads various events and projects geared towards promoting quality healthcare. The Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Workshops, SAGIP Movie Screening, SAGIP Golf Classic, Rx: Work of the Heart Fashion Show, are just some of the high-impact projects launched annually that are able to generate support from many benevolent individuals and groups. These events have mobilized key figures in society in working towards the improvement of patient outcomes. Now, what used to be merely ideal management goals for the patients- comprehensive diagnostic work-up, completion of a life-saving antibiotic course, utility of the best medication available- are now tangible realities.
Now, another opportunity to save more lives is at hand. The 18th SAGIP Golf Classic will be held on May 4, 2016 at the Villamor Golf Club (for tickets, priced at Php 2500, contact Dr. Ryan Alfonso at sagipbuhay@gmail.com). Join this gathering of health enthusiasts as they celebrate teamwork and camaraderie in helping patients navigate through the challenging limitations of our healthcare system. This project is directed towards helping patients and their families deal with catastrophic health expenses. After all, one shot in this fun game translates into enabling thousands of patients gain another shot at life.
Get in contact with the Sagip Buhay Medical Foundation, Inc through www.sagipbuhay.com and sagipbuhay@gmail.com, or call us at 554-7475.
