Manila, Philippines –  “The primary concern of Manila's Health on Wheels is to go around all six districts of the city and give help in depressed areas,” said assistant Manila city health officer Dr. Jerry Yson.

“It serves 300 to 400 patients a day, and it offers general consultation, dental services, laboratory, minor surgical procedures, ECG, and even gives away medicines,” Yson said.

The Health on Wheels, launched in May of last year by Mayor Alfredo Lim, goes around Manila every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.

“It appeals more to the senior citizens,” said Yson.

He said that many senior citizens do not have the means to pay for hospital bills and get regular check-ups.

City health officer Dr. Marie Lorraine Sanchez said health is one of Mayor Lim's major concerns.

The mayor has ensured that all six districts in Manila have their own hospital. These are the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center in the first district; Ospital ng Tondo, second district; Jose Abad Santos Mother and Child Hospital, third district; Ospital ng Sampaloc, fourth district; Ospital ng Maynila, fifth district, and Sta. Ana Hospital, sixth district. (Czarina Nicole O. Ong)