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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte inaugurates Mindanao's most modern cancer diagnostic, treatment facilities

Duterte inaugurates Mindanao's most modern cancer diagnostic, treatment facilities

Published Mar 26, 2022 04:41 pm

President Duterte led the inauguration of the Cancer Diagnostic Institute Building and Cancer Treatment Facility Building of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), which will serve cancer patients not only in Davao City but also in its nearby provinces.

Photo of the newly constructed Cancer Diagnostic Institute Building and Cancer Treatment Facility Building of the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City which was inaugurated by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 25, 2022. (JOEY DALUMPINES/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

In his speech on Friday evening, March 25, Duterte said putting up Mindanao's first modern cancer facilities is a "huge leap" the country has taken to address the health needs of Filipinos, particularly the indigents and marginalized.

"No longer will our cancer patients need to travel far just to receive the necessary treatments and care. This accessibility to modern healthcare facilities, particularly those that cater to cancer patients, will surely help ease the burden carried by patients and their families," he said.

The P528-million Cancer Diagnostic Institute Building and the P365-million Cancer Treatment Facility Building feature top-of-the-line diagnostic and therapeutic equipment that will assist doctors in the early detection of cancer and reduce treatment side effects.

The diagnostic center's modern equipment includes, among others, the P78-million Single Photo Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Nuclear Imaging Facility, P120-million Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan, and the P230-million 24 Mega-electron volt (MeV) Medical Cyclotron Facility.

The PET Scan is the first in Mindanao, while the MeV Medical Cyclotron Facility is the first such facility in a government hospital in the country.

The construction and installation of equipment were funded by the Office of the President, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and the Department of Health (DOH) under its Health Facility Enhancement Program.

According to the President, improving the city's cancer diagnostic and treatment facilities has been his vocation since he was Davao City mayor, noting visiting young cancer patients is his annual Christmas tradition.

At the same time, President Duterte lauded the SPMC, DOH, and private partners for "investing in the improvement of healthcare services" in the Davao region.

Likewise, Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega, who was also present during the event, expressed his gratitude to the President for supporting the construction and improvement of cancer treatment facilities in Davao City and making them a priority project.

"This project was realized through your intercession. From the bottom of our hearts, we offer our gratitude, and we are extremely grateful for all of your support and patience and for giving us the opportunity to serve more of our fellowmen," he said.

The Southern Philippines Medical Center is the largest hospital in the Philippines, with at least 1,500 medical beds and more than 15 clinical departments, serving the residents of Davao City and its neighboring areas.

It is also Mindanao's major medical facility handling coronavirus cases.

Related Tags

President Duterte cancer treatment Inauguration Hospitals facility davao city
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