For the sixth consecutive year, PDS, the country’s largest organization of world-class board-certified medical specialists caring for the skin, hair and nails, will host Skinweek, ratified by virtue of President Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo’s Proclamation No. 1110. This year’s theme is "Balat… Alagaan Laban sa sakit."
The theme will promote the PDS’ goal of raising awareness on proper skin care among Filipinos, through activities that emphasize the importance of the skin in overall health. Free dermatology clinics will be held in barangay health centers, parishes, schools and city halls in key cities throughout the Philippines, with PDS members giving free consultation and free medicines.
Through a lecture series on "Basic care for healthy skin, hair and nails," trained dermatologists will also impart essential information to the public about basic skin hygiene, skin self-examination and the need for seeking early care and management of skin diseases. Last year, over 3,000 patients were served during four clinic days in key areas around the country, including Batangas, Bataan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Tuguegarao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Zamboanga.
Dr. Jasmin Jamora, chair of the Skinweek committee, also disclosed that this year’s free clinics will be held at the following venues: Barrio Luz Health Center in Cebu City on Nov. 3; at the Las Piñas Bgy. Health Center on Nov. 8; at the Lipa City Health Office in Batangas and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, in Fairview, QC on Nov. 9; and at the Ma. Clara Health Center in Sampaloc, Manila on Nov. 10.
On Nov. 11, simultaneous free dermatology clinics will be held in the following venues: Engineers Hill Health Clinic, Baguio City; Outpatient Department, Veterans Regional Hospital in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Agusan National High School, Puerto, Cagayan de Oro; Almendraz Gym in Davao City; and in Caloocan, Metro Manila.
The full schedule of Skinweek free clinics can be found at the PDS website at www.pds.org.ph.
Skinweek will be highlighted by the PDS’ Annual Convention, to be held from Nov. 16 to 18 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong. The conference will gather the country’s largest roster of world-class board-certified medical specialists caring for the skin, hair and nails. Experts from here and abroad will be invited to share new knowledge and advances in dermatological practice around the world.
