Muntinlupa city: Doctors from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) have conducted their first medical mission for former soldiers incarcerated at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) stated that doctors from VMMC, led by Medical Director Dr. Peter Paul Reuben Galvez, carried out the outreach last Tuesday to address the healthcare needs of retired service members serving sentences within the prison system. BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. emphasized that this medical mission would occur more frequently to enhance medical care for former soldiers who require comprehensive medical attention even while confined.

The 31 ex-military officers and personnel currently imprisoned at NBP comprise 21 from the Philippine Army, nine former Marines, and one from the Philippine Air Force. These inmates are distributed across different security levels within the prison, with 19 at the Maximum Security Compound, eight in the Medium Security Compound, and four at the Minimum Security Compound.

VMMC doctors conducted thorough health check-ups for each inmate, assessing their medical conditions and addressing any immediate health concerns. Upon completing their examinations, all former military personnel received appropriate medications to assist their treatment and improve their well-being.

CT/Supt. Ma Cecilia Villanueva, director for Health and Welfare Services and chief of the NBP Hospital, shared an update regarding the health status of the former military inmates. She revealed that a 73-year-old former Philippine Army officer, who had not previously attended hospital consultations or recorded medical visits at the NBP, passed away on Sunday. An autopsy was scheduled to determine the cause of his death, highlighting the importance of consistent medical monitoring for all inmates.

Catapang noted that the collaborative medical mission between VMMC and BuCor underscores the commitment of both institutions to provide dignified, professional healthcare services to those who have served the nation, regardless of their current circumstances.