August 8, 2024
Discovering a new purpose: Medical student displays heartwarming service at Tzu Chi Philippines’ 269th Medical Mission
By Arvin Yanga
Despite his board exams being just two days away, Vince Enrico Vitug, a 22-year-old Medical Technology graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, volunteered his time and skills for Tzu Chi Foundation's recently held 269th medical mission on August 9 at San Lorenzo Ruiz Church, Navotas.
Vitug, who currently studies Medicine at St. Luke's College in Quezon City, played a crucial role in the pharmacy area of the mission. Along with other volunteers, he participated in cross-checking every prescription and medicines placed in the basket. All drugs have to come through several checkers first before they're released to the patient. This task ensured that patients received the correct medications in the right dosages and quantities.
The young volunteer's journey with Tzu Chi began in a timely manner. "It's a funny story, because Tzu Chi is actually right in front of my house," he shared.
Inspired by the foundation's proximity, he reached out through the website’s contact information and was referred to participate in this remarkable event.
What led Vitug to fascination is the efficiency of Tzu Chi's operations and the generosity of donors, because most of the drugs procured came from donations. He expressed his admiration for the widespread support Tzu Chi receives in its humanitarian efforts. According to him, it was heartening to witness the substantial number of individuals contributing to the foundation’s mission of assisting those in need.
His experience at Tondo Medical Center during his internship ignited his passion for community service. Vitug observed that patients there aren’t well-off and sometimes go in big groups, but they persevere to receive free access to healthcare, and that sparked his inspiration to help more people. This medical mission provided him an opportunity to apply his skills in a meaningful way, extending his love for helping others, specifically in medical-related cases.
The mission served as an eye-opener for him regarding the health challenges faced by many Filipinos. "I could see just by the prescriptions handed over to me today that many are in need of maintenance medicine for high blood pressure, for hypertension," he observed, highlighting the prevalence of chronic conditions among patients.
Vitug even sacrificed reviewing for his board exams to prioritize this volunteering opportunity. Many said that he should be studying at that moment, but he couldn't miss the chance to help out his fellow Filipinos, demonstrating his commitment to service.
As he encouraged others to volunteer, he emphasized the fulfillment it brings as an additional life purpose he has discovered to fulfill his love for helping people.
"If you have a heart to help people, you can utilize the skills you've learned in school or your experiences in the past to help people out," he advised.
When asked if he was willing to volunteer again if there was a chance, he wholeheartedly agreed to that idea.
Vitug then expressed his utmost gratitude to Tzu Chi Foundation for the opportunity to serve and witness firsthand the impact of volunteer work. His experience stands as a testament to the power of volunteerism and the positive change that can be achieved when compassionate individuals come together to serve their community. He pointed out that religion isn’t a hindrance for people to share a common goal of upholding kindness to aid others’ suffering.
Volunteer medical student Vince Vitug (right) checks the prescription medicines for the patients.
Volunteers help in checking the prescription and medicine placed in baskets at the pharmacy area.
Volunteer in front of the pharmacy area in charge of instructing patients about medicine dosages and intake.
Tzu Chi volunteers thoroughly look for the prescribed medicine for the patients.
Together with fellow volunteers, Vince Vitug (center) collects the medicine indicated in the patients’ prescriptions.
The ‘general medicine’ and ‘pharmacy’ signage of Tzu Chi Foundation at the medical mission.
Different medicines are bought by Tzu Chi, while some are donated and are made available to patients.
Complete medicine basket to be cross-checked by the volunteers.
Taiwan Tzu Chi University Medical School professor (left) and volunteer Vince Vitug (right) check the medications to ensure that they are the correct kind and dosage at the pharmacy.
TIMA Doctor Josefino Qua (right) discusses prescriptions and medicines placed in a basket with Vince Vitug (left).
Volunteer medical student Vince Vitug helps in cross-checking prescriptions and medicines, ensuring patient safety at the medical mission.
Prescriptions are given to volunteers in the pharmacy area, wherein medicines are checked several times before being given to patients.
For Vince Vitug, this volunteer experience is a reminder of his calling to help people. “This is my first time to enter a medical mission, and it really warms my heart to see that you are helping our fellow Filipino people,” he said.