At a time when communities are struggling against inflation and rising costs of living, comes a company with a noble purpose to offer free healthcare services as its corporate advocacy.

Unilab, known as a leading pharmaceutical company in the Philippines and makers of household vitamin and medicine brands, has made it its mission to enable communities by providing them access to much-needed health services.

Launched this 2023, the Alagang Unilab Bayan Kalusugan medical mission or AUBK takes the company’s promise of “Alagang Unilab” a notch higher, going beyond a campaign to creating an experience that supports Filipino communities at a time when every Juan Dela Cruz needs it most.

Unilab, through the AUBK medical mission series, brought comprehensive primary and diagnostic care to selected barangays in Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo this year. These locations are just some of many that need assistance in terms of access to healthcare services.

Through AUBK, attendees were given free medical and diagnostic care services that include:

• Blood tests such as 1) Complete Blood Count (CBC) crucial for assessing overall health and detecting various disorders; 2) total cholesterol monitoring for possible cardiovascular health problems; and 3) random blood sugar test needed to detect diabetes
• Urinalysis to provide insights into kidney and urinary tract health
• Chest x-ray for early detection of pulmonary concerns
• Doctor consultation for a personalized assessment from qualified medical professionals
• Medicine and vitamin dispensing from pharmacists
• Health and wellness talks that equip attendees with knowledge for healthier living

Attendees each took home some of Unilab’s most trusted brands for free, ranging from vitamins and supplements such as Forti-D, ImmunPro, Hemarate FA, Calciumade, Conzace, Ceelin, and Enervon, to medications such as Neozep, Alnix, Kremil-S, and Bioflu. Patients also received products from Unilab Group’s personal care company, UL Skin Sciences, Inc., which include Fortima and pH Care.  

These products and services may be ordinary expenses for people who can afford them, but for many families living on insufficient wages, these are considered a luxury they would rather forego for more immediate needs like food or utilities.

After its first three legs, the AUBK medical mission has already helped more than 1,500 individuals. It went to Barangay Apas in the heart of Cebu City last July 29, and then to Barangay Mintal in Davao City on Sept. 2. More recently on Sept. 16, AUBK made its way to Barangay Sto. Rosario in Iloilo City, where access to healthcare is a challenge to many families who survive on minimum wage.

Attendees such as Erlinda Jaspe, Dandrica Apostol, and Jimway Moridoke have a story to tell.

61-year-old Erlinda Jaspe woke up at 5 a.m. to get in line first since she wanted to get checked because of body aches and numb hands but could not afford to go to the doctor, let alone buy medicines.

“Ito pa lang gamot hindi na mababayaran ng kahit magkano, lalo ngayong panahon nahihirapan ang mga tao. Uunahin talaga ang bigas kaysa sa gamot. Masaya ako kasi ako hindi ko in-expect na mayroon palang x-ray, tapos binigyan ako ng libreng gamot,” she said.

31-year-old Dandrica Apostol who had been facing post-pregnancy health issues and financial constraints, meanwhile, brought her baby to the medical mission and thanked Unilab not only for its free check-up but also for free medicines and vitamins that will greatly help her in staying healthy as a breastfeeding mother. Even her baby was given free vitamins.

“Pagkatapos ko pong manganak, ang dami ko nang iniindang sakit sa katawan ko pero wala po tayong pampa-doktor, pang check-up dahil mahal po. Ang saya ko po na nandito ngayon ang Unilab medical mission. Sana po lagi kayong open sa lahat ng mahihirap na kailangan ng kanilang gamot,” she said.

From Barangay Apas in Cebu, 19-year-old Jimway Moridoke said he considers the medical mission a blessing as he needed to secure a medical certificate for his application to a criminology course. Getting checked in the medical mission meant that his parents need not worry about spending for it anymore.

“Malaking tulong po talaga sa akin ito at opportunity na ma-free lang na medical at wala ng ibang babayaran,” he said.

Looking ahead

AUBK is a continuing effort in partnership with different organizations who believe in the cause: Unilab Group’s Reliance United network and the Mt. Grace Hospital network, Manila Broadcasting Company, and Love Radio, as well as local government units. Unilab also works with local area partners to provide some medical services.

Unilab Director Christine Lim recounts the reason why the company has focused on this medical mission as its advocacy, saying, “Sa Unilab, malapit sa puso namin ang pagpapahatid ng alaga sa mga community. Alam natin mahirap ang buhay ngayon. Minsan ang tao nakakaligtaan ang kalusugan nila…Naiintindihan natin na may mga kailangan silang unahin, kaya ito talaga ang gusto namin [sa Unilab na] ipahatid [sa lahat].

Gusto naming maging malusog [kayo], healthy, at kung may sakit magawan pa ng paraan. Itong medical mission ang aming munting paraan na ang mga taga-barangay ay mabigyan ng pagkakataon na ma-test, ma-blood test, x-ray, urinalysis, at kung ano pa, para naman sila rin mismo malaman [kung] paano nila mapapangalagaan ang sarili nila,” she adds.

The Alagang Unilab Bayan Kalusugan medical mission has just begun but intends to visit more areas in the country in the coming months, hoping to be able to provide much-needed medical services to Filipinos.

In the words of those who attended its program, "Iba talaga mag-alaga ang Unilab."

Indeed, they provide extraordinary care that knows no bounds, extending its healing touch to every corner of the Philippines. As Alagang Unilab continues to shine its light on the path to better health, it reminds us that together, we can build a healthier, happier, and stronger nation, one barangay at a time.