BIÑAN CITY, Laguna — Residents of Biñan City are once again being encouraged to prioritize their health as the local government rolls out another round of free medical and surgical services under Heal 2: An Inclusive Medical & Surgical Mission 2026. The mission is set to take place on Wednesday, February 4, at the Biñan City Hospital, continuing a health initiative that has already seen strong public participation.

Led by the Guaranteed Equal Lives (GEL) Initiative and supported by the city government, the program offers free medical consultations, medicines, and even surgical procedures to qualified Biñanense residents. Medical services will cover a wide range of specialties, including internal medicine, endocrinology, pediatrics, OB-Gynecology, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), and ophthalmology—fields that often come with high consultation and treatment costs in private hospitals.

For many families, especially those with limited income, access to healthcare remains a constant struggle. In this context, initiatives like Heal 2 go beyond being simple outreach programs; they become lifelines. Mayor Gel Alonte’s statement that “health is wealth” reflects a growing recognition among local governments that preventive care and accessible treatment are essential investments, not optional services.

The program’s structure also reflects inclusivity. Medical services will be available via walk-in on February 4, while those in need of surgery may begin screening as early as Monday, January 26. This ensures that serious cases are properly evaluated while giving residents enough time to prepare.

However, while medical missions like this deserve praise, they also invite a broader discussion. Why do so many Filipinos still rely on periodic missions for basic healthcare? Are these programs a solution, or a temporary remedy to deeper systemic gaps in public health access? As Biñan continues to set an example in community-based healthcare, one question remains worth pondering: should free medical missions be occasional acts of service, or stepping stones toward a truly accessible and sustainable healthcare system for all? (Larawan mula sa: Google)