Introduction

The non-profit organisation, Orthopedic Humanitarian Initiatives (Ortho HI) was conceived during a social visit to the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC). Based in Manila, the POC is the foremost orthopedic hospital in the Philippines and is funded largely by the Philippine government.1 The director of the hospital, Dr. Brix Pujalte, showed how difficult conditions could be for both patients and staff. Beds sometimes did not have mattresses or blankets, and there was a lack of mosquito nets for the patients. Those who were immobilised due to casts and traction were especially at risk for mosquito-borne diseases. The administration does its very best with limited funding and resources; still, more could be done for patients, who often do not have enough money to buy food or daily needs. Furthermore, medical students and residents at the POC often used photocopied textbooks as internet access could be slow, limited and costly. It was suggested that some needs could be addressed by donations of radiology equipment, medications, implants, surgical implements, mosquito nets, sterile gloves and dressings, masks, and textbooks.