Five-year-old Baby Stephanie successfully underwent eye surgery on July 20 at the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital. The procedure was provided entirely free of charge through the Medical Assistance Program of the Provincial Government of Pampanga, led by Governor Lilia "Nanay" Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda.
A Life-Changing Surgery for Severe Eye Condition
Baby Stephanie suffered from a painful condition where her eyelashes constantly scratched her cornea, causing severe discomfort and risking permanent damage to her vision . The surgery, performed on July 20 at the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH) in San Fernando, Pampanga, corrected this condition to prevent further complications and preserve her eyesight .
The procedure was made possible through the provincial government's Medical Assistance Program, which is conducted regularly every Monday to provide financial support for residents who cannot afford costly medical treatments . The program covers hospital bills, chemotherapy, dialysis, and specialized surgeries for indigent patients across Pampanga.
Zero Expenses for the Family: A Commitment to Accessible Healthcare
Mary Grace Austria, Baby Stephanie's guardian, expressed her deep gratitude for the assistance: "Thank you very much. The help given by Gov. Nanay is a huge relief because we did not pay anything for the operation. This is a massive help to all of us."
Governor Lilia Pineda has consistently championed healthcare access for vulnerable Kapampangans, advocating for the expansion of zero-balance billing and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation benefits to reduce the financial burden on patients . This commitment to preventive and curative healthcare ensures that families facing serious medical conditions receive the support they need without the added stress of mounting expenses .
