Ortho HI was conceptualized as a result of a trip in 2019 to the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC). There, it was evident that the needs of the patients were great, including such basic requirements as mosquito nets and food for indigent patients and roofing to prevent rain leaking over waiting areas. Other necessities were funds for crucial operations, medications, materials for the operating room, and reading materials for the residents and physicians. With the passing of Dr. Jose M. Pujalte, a past director of the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC), his colleagues reminisced about the many contributions he had made to the center as well as the numerous plans he had for it. Dr. George Pujalte of the Mayo Clinic asked his brother, Dr. Brix Pujalte, the current POC director, if he could help the POC in any way. From conversations with his colleagues in the US, it became clear to Dr. George Pujalte that organizing a non-profit would be a great way of creating sustainable assistance for the POC. In addition, he thought that the organization could channel its assistance to patients at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), many of whom urgently needed such help. While the assistance should focus on the PGH’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery, all patients would benefit from contributions of surgical equipment, wheelchairs, and crutches, among others. With this, Ortho HI’s vision became a goal, and the organization is now on its way to improving the lives of many indigent and underserved patients needing musculoskeletal and orthopedic care all over the world.
