More than 200 Navotas residents received free consultations, laboratory tests and medicines during the medical mission organized by the Kababaihan Partylist and 1Life Philippines diagnostic clinic on 24 January.

The medical mission held at Phase 1-B Multi-Purpose Building in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran, served solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, women’s group members, and pedicab drivers from five barangays of Navotas.

1Life Philippines provided medical personnel, blood sugar and cholesterol testing, patient registration, vital signs checking and triage, ECG, urinalysis, X-rays, doctor consultations and free medicines.

Department of Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, a staunch supporter of women’s rights, said there is a need to bring healthcare closer to communities that are often unable to seek regular medical attention due to financial and work constraints.

She added that the initiative plays a crucial role in protecting the health of families and workers.

“Access to healthcare should not depend on income or circumstance,” Gutierrez said. “Through initiatives like this, Kababaihan and its partners are making sure that families, workers, and vulnerable sectors receive the care they deserve — right where they live.”

Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the importance of partnerships that help strengthen local health services and support the city’s continuing public health programs.

The success of the medical mission was also made possible through the support of local community groups.

The Solo Parent Association (SPA) helped prepare the venue, while the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina assisted beneficiaries throughout the process.

According to SPA president Apple dela Cruz, medical missions are vital for single parents who often delay medical checkups due to work and financial pressures.

“For many solo parents, health checkups are something we keep postponing because of work and financial priorities,” dela Cruz said. “Programs like this remind us that our well-being matters, too, because we can only take care of our families if we are healthy ourselves.”

Kababaihan Partylist said it will support similar medical missions in coordination with government agencies, healthcare partners, and community organizations to ensure that essential health services remain accessible to those who need them most.