The Israel Embassy launched the ISHA project, which aims to provide health and wellness services to select Filipina residents of San Juan City.

Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss led the project launch with the Makati Medical Center Foundation and Operation Blessing Foundation at San Juan City Hall in celebration of women’s month.

Project ISHA, which means “woman” in Hebrew, is funded by the Mashav or the Agency for International Development Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel.

“This project is all about women. The Israeli Embassy in the Philippines is trying to promote the health of women,” Fluss said.

According to the ambassador, the ISHA project aims to serve as an efficient tool for responding to the health and wellness needs of Filipinas who have limited access to health services such as tests to help detect cervical and breast cancer.

Health kits distributed

A total of 70 women pre-selected by the local government unit of San Juan received a health and wellness package consisting of a pap smear, breast examination and consultation.

The Makati Medical Center Foundation provided the doctors and personnel to administer the health package.

Meanwhile, the Operation Blessing Foundation provided mobile clinic and personnel to assist the beneficiaries. They also distributed medicines and vitamins.

Zamora thanked the Israel Embassy in the Philippines for choosing San Juan City to be its local government partner.

“We are very thankful for celebrating women’s month. We are thankful on behalf of the City of San Juan,” he said.

The Embassy of Israel, the Israeli agency for international development cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the local government of San Juan City, with the Makati Medical Center Foundation and Operation Blessing launched the ISHA Project in San Juan City on Sunday.

Seventy women-beneficiaries were provided with free PAP smear, breast exam, and consultation in celebration of women’s month. Those who will, unfortunately, test positive will be jointly helped by the Makati Medical Center Foundation and Operation Blessing in seeking treatment.

Neil Alcober