Medical expert says clubfoot is “very treatable”

“We want to inform the public that clubfoot is very treatable and we can do something about it. The problem is many do not know this and end up with the deformity as they grow older.”      

Thus, declared Dr. Rodel Banggiacan, a complex trauma specialist and consultant of the ongoing Free Treatment of Clubfoot program, during the Ugnayang Panlungsod press conference, March 15, at City Hall.     

The program is being implemented by the Philippine NGO Council (PNGOC) and the city government in partnership with the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) where the free treatments are done.      

He explained that clubfoot is a congenital deformity of the newborn where one or both feet are turned downward and inward and look  like a club used in the game of golf.      

“Unfortunately, clubfoot is idiopathic or the cause is yet unknown although some say it is due to environmental factors and others say it is genetic but there is still no pinpointed reason for the condition,” Banggiacan disclosed.      

Edna Tomilas-Camangan, an orthopedic nurse and site coordinator for BGHMC of the PNGOC Miracle Feet Clubfoot program, said the project started in 2019 and they are currently treating 72 patients, 70 of whom are already cured and in the maintenance phase and two in the casting phase.     

She said the patients range in age from one month to 17 years old and are composed of local residents and also from the provinces of Benguet, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan and Tarlac.        

Those suffering from the deformity can proceed to the BGHMC Clubfoot program clinic to register, Camangan said, or she can be contacted at cp no. 09190725439.        

Earlier, Mayor Benjamin Magalong urged those with clubfoot or know of someone with the condition to immediately enlist in the ongoing free treatment program.      

The PNGOC is a national network of non-government organizations (NGOs) that work with national and local governments in promoting the health and well-being of Filipinos toward a humane and just society. – Gaby B. Keith