HOSPITAL ON WHEELS
"Bringing hospital close to the community"
From Helpless to Success
2 April 2026
J.B. had undergone a total of 22 unsuccessful surgeries to reconstruct his mandible after the resection of an ameloblastoma—a benign tumor of the jaw.
His family eventually ran out of resources, and he was discharged home in a very difficult condition. He had an exposed metal plate protruding from his mouth, was unable to eat or speak, and had been dependent on a nasogastric tube for feeding since his first operation.
For three years, he remained at home—unable to attend school or socialize. He lost significant weight and struggled with feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
Hope came when Hospital On Wheels, with the support of Friends Who Care, stepped in.
He underwent a two-stage reconstructive surgery. Two flaps from the upper chest wall were used to reconstruct his lower lip and floor of the mouth, and to provide coverage for the exposed mandibular plate.
The outcome was life-changing.
He regained the ability to eat by mouth and speak clearly. More importantly, he was able to return to school and complete his senior high school education with flying colors.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Armed Forces Medical Center and Friends Who Care for making this possible.
Thank you for your continued support.
Have a blessed Holy Week.
Dr. Jim Sanchez
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Hospital On Wheels
"Together, we can save lives."
30 May 2026
Initial Results of the Hospital On Wheels “Work & Play” Mission Approach
Dear Friends, Partners, Volunteers, and Supporters,
We would like to share the initial results of the Hospital On Wheels (HOW) “Work & Play” approach during our recent missions.
Over the years, we have observed that many of our mission sponsors and partners are not doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, or individuals directly involved in healthcare. Their desire, however, is the same as ours—to help those in need. Their contributions often come in the form of financial support, food, accommodations, logistics, and other resources essential to the success of our missions.
As the mission progresses, many of these generous supporters naturally have limited opportunities to participate in the direct delivery of medical care. Recognizing this, we explored ways to engage them more actively and meaningfully within their own fields of expertise and interests.
As a result, we introduced complementary activities that benefited patients, their families, and fellow volunteers. These included:
* Free legal consultations provided by volunteer lawyers
* Financial literacy talks conducted by accountants and financial professionals
* Musical performances and interaction with musicians and singers
* Art activities with painters and artists
* Chess exhibitions and mentoring sessions by Chess Grandmaster and International Master
* Other enjoyable activities and games designed to stimulate both the mind and body:
- Mahjong
- Wooden Pool / “Pulan” / Mini Billiards
- Darts
- Checkers (Dama)
- Game of the Generals
- Scrabble
- Card Games
- And many more
Once all patients had been attended to, members of the HOW Team, volunteers, mission partners, and participants were able to join these activities as a form of relaxation, fellowship, and team-building.
The experience has been both rewarding and inspiring. It is a wonderful feeling to serve the community, while also strengthening friendships, building new partnerships, and creating meaningful connections among volunteers and supporters.
We are also pleased to note the increasing number of medical students from various medical schools who have been joining our missions. Their enthusiasm to learn, serve, and gain hands-on experience has been encouraging, and many have expressed great satisfaction with the knowledge and exposure they received.
Based on the feedback we gathered, the Hospital On Wheels “Work & Play” approach has been very well received by the HOW Team, volunteers, mission partners, medical students, and other participants. It has enhanced engagement, promoted camaraderie, and made the mission experience more meaningful for everyone involved.
Please see the attached mission census & pictures.
Thank you for your continued support, trust, and prayers. Together, we can continue changing lives and bringing hope to those who need it most.
Hospital On Wheels Team
“Together, We Can Change Lives”
FAQS
What conditions can Hospital On Wheels help with?
We focus on a range of treatable surgical conditions including hernias, tumors, cysts, and other common cases where nerve-blocking techniques are effective. Our goal is to deliver high-quality care in low-resource settings while showcasing the power of anesthesia-free surgery.
Is Hospital On Wheels care safe, and are the procedures painful?
Yes. Our procedures are performed by licensed surgeons using proven nerve-blocking methods to manage pain safely and effectively. Patients remain conscious but comfortable, and post-surgery feedback consistently shows high satisfaction and minimal discomfort.
How many sessions will I need to see results?
Each case is unique, but most surgical interventions are completed in a single session. Surgeons visiting the program typically witness multiple procedures per day and leave with a clear understanding of the techniques used.
Email: [email protected]
Address Office: Pacific Century Tower, 1472 Quezon Ave., Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, Philippines, 1103