In a nation where millions still hesitate to seek surgical care—whether due to fear, finances, or sheer lack of access—innovation becomes an act of compassion.
By Charles D. Cultura
For more than 25 years, one Filipino doctor has embodied a strong conviction of helping the marginalized sectors of society with unwavering dedication.
Dr. Juan “Jim” Sanchez Jr., founder of Hospital On Wheels (HOW), has championed a surgical movement rooted in simplicity, safety, and service: Surgery Under Peripheral Anesthesia (SUPer-A). It is an approach—and a philosophy—that has allowed thousands of patients to receive life-changing operations without the risks and costs of conventional anesthesia.
Today, as he prepares to launch a community-based SUPer A surgical and training center in Payatas by early 2026, his mission continues to expand. But the heart of the work remains unchanged: “Mahal ko ang Pilipinas.”
Hospital On Wheels (HOW): Bringing the Hospital to the People
Founded on September 17, 2007, Hospital On Wheels is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious volunteer organization committed to making quality surgical care accessible to the poorest communities in the Philippines. For more than a decade prior to the official launch of HOW, Doc Jim has been active doing regular medical-surgical missions nationwide.
HOW’s impact is immense:
- 426 medical–surgical–dental–optical missions nationwide
- Over 40,000 free surgeries for indigent patients
- An average of 150 operations per day during missions
Each number is a life restored, a burden lifted, a family given hope.
“Hospital On Wheels brings world-class care to places where hospitals don’t exist.”
The HOW surgical team performs a wide range of free procedures:
- Tumor and cyst removal
- Inguinal hernia repair (children and adults)
- Cleft lip repair (primary and revision)
- Reconstructive and external surgical procedures
All of these are done using a Filipino-developed anesthesia technique that allows patients to remain awake, pain-free, and able to go home immediately—no hospital admission, no costly lab workups, no general anesthesia.
A Vision That Travels to Where Hospitals Don’t
Long before mobile clinics became global trends, Doc Jim had already built and mobilized one of the Philippines’ earliest and most enduring mobile surgical systems.
His HOW missions have reached:
(Right) Doc Jim demonstrating SUPer A to other surgeons
- mountain barangays
- isolated islands
- evacuation centers
- parishes and gymnasiums
- sitios and underserved communities
Often, families walk for miles—sometimes hours—just to be seen, evaluated, and healed.
This is the essence of HOW: healthcare that meets people where they are.
A Legacy of Teaching, Writing, and Nation-Building
In parallel with missions, Doc Jim has devoted himself to educating the next generation of Filipino practitioners.
His contributions include:
- Three major textbooks on peripheral nerve blocks
- The upcoming 4th edition of “Nerve Blocks: Landmarks and Ultrasound Guidance” (December release)
- Nationwide workshops and live demonstrations
- YouTube instructional videos followed by thousands
- Training programs for anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, and mission teams
His philosophy is simple: “Teach the technique, empower communities, save lives.”
A Child From Leyte—and a Thousand Other Stories
One of the most moving stories from HOW’s missions is of a young boy from Leyte whose cleft lip was repaired under SUPer-A. Today, he looks transformed—healthier, confident, smiling freely.
There are countless stories like his. Families rediscover dignity. Children gain futures. Communities find hope.
This is the quiet revolution Doc Jim has led for years—without fanfare, without politics, without self-interest.
The Next Frontier: The SUPer A Center in Payatas (Q1 2026 Launch)
Dr. Sanchez is now building the country’s first community-based SUPer-A surgical and training hub in Payatas, Quezon City.
This center will serve dual purposes:
1. A Community Surgical Hub
Where indigent patients can receive safe, affordable surgical care without fear of debt or prolonged hospital stays.
2. A Training Ground for Filipino Healthcare Workers
Equipping physicians, nurses, and mission-based volunteers with skills that expand access, reduce costs, and elevate the safety of outpatient surgery nationwide.
It is a vision aligned with the best ideals of public health—scalable, sustainable, and deeply rooted in service.
A Call for Support and Shared Advocacy
Doc Jim ends every mission, lecture, and appeal with the same heartfelt line: “Mahal ko ang Pilipinas.”
These words are not a slogan—they are the driving force behind 25 years of missions, innovation, and service.
And in that love lies a clear invitation—not just to fellow doctors, but to civic groups, institutions, philanthropists, and ordinary Filipinos: Help share SUPer A. Help amplify its benefits. Help build training programs. Help bring safe surgery to the farthest communities.
This is how we expand access.
This is how we support Filipino ingenuity.
This is how we honor a physician who has given his life to uplifting others.
This is healthcare as it should be: compassionate, practical, and deeply rooted in love for country.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For collaborations, missions, training, partnerships, or support:
Dr. Juan “Jim” Sanchez Jr.
Founder & Head, Hospital On Wheels
Mobile: 0918-937-7415
Email: jimsanchez_ph@yahoo.com
Website: https://thehospitalonwheels.org/
WATCH HOW’S STORY
- Hospital On Wheels: The Story
https://youtu.be/EcGhYkG4KAQ?si=OFLV8KppOnHI0V-u - Bringing the Hospital to the People
https://youtu.be/rR2tWGHDTTA?si=SYTnqsoTfMfL9_KK - ANC Think Possible – Hospital On Wheels
https://youtu.be/cqlcKpGjpsA?si=nfWNKdCNB-mgkhu7
These short features show HOW in action—teams performing surgeries, communities gathering, and families experiencing the healing they once thought impossible.
“Safe surgery should not be a privilege—it should be possible for every Filipino.”
— Dr. Juan “Jim” Sanchez Jr.
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