The Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC) on Monday, Jan. 8, shared its commitment to developing “specialty centers” in orthopedics and rehabilitation medicine as part of its vision for 2024.
"Tuloy-tuloy ang ginagawa naming Apex services buildings. Matatapos na 'yung orthopedic Apex building namin, although we need more funding for completion (We are continuously working on our Apex services buildings. Our orthopedic Apex building will be completed soon, although we need additional funding for its completion),” Medical Center Chief, Dr. Jose Pujalte Jr., said in an interview with PTV Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
He also emphasized that it reflects POC's dedication to becoming the foremost provider of bone and joint-related services for the public, underscoring their commitment to excellence in healthcare.
POC serves hundreds daily
Meanwhile, Pujalte noted that the outpatient department serves a substantial 500 to 600 patients daily, while the emergency room attends to 100 to 120 patients per day.
"Napakarami po dahil hindi lang NCR ang aming tinutulungan kundi pati ang mga karatig na lugar katulad ng Bulacan, Laguna, at Cavite. Sila ay dumadagsa sa ating ospital sapagkat sa tulong ng Office of the President last year ay nabigyan kami ng pagkakataon na kumuha ng mga bagong gamit (There are a lot because we are not only helping NCR, but also neighboring areas like Bulacan, Laguna, and Cavite. They flock to our hospital because, with the help of the Office of the President last year, we were given the opportunity to acquire new equipment)," Pujalte said.
He also emphasized the strategic direction of POC, known as "day surgery," where patients undergo morning surgeries and return home in the afternoon, necessitating advanced hospital equipment like minimally invasive operating devices.
POC’s expanded services amid nurse resignations
Moreover, as for healthcare providers, Pujalte assured that despite “nurse resignations” due to overseas opportunities, recruitment remained steady.
"Although inaamin po natin na mabilis ang kanilang pagpasok at pag nakakuha na sila ng kontrata sa ibang bansa ay sila ay nagre-resign (While we acknowledge that their entry and swift acquisition of contracts in other countries lead to their resignations) but having said that, many others are applying, including doctors. With the assistance of our nurses, we are able to perform surgeries every day, handling up to 18 to 20 cases,” he explained.
Meanwhile, in addressing concerns about “regionalization,” the POC Chief confirmed plans to emulate other hospitals, stating, "Our fellow hospitals with orthopedic sections or departments are responsible for patients in their respective areas."
Notable examples include the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao, the Region I Training Center in the North, and hospitals in Pampanga.
"Lahat sila ay tumutulong para hindi na umabot sa Metro Manila ang mga pasyente na may kapansanan sa buto at kasukasuan (They all contribute to prevent patients with bone and joint disabilities from reaching Metro Manila)," he stated.
The POC Chief also underscored the implementation of universal health care (UHC) at POC, emphasizing its inclusion of free metal implants.
He credited President Marcos Jr. and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa for steering the POC towards aligning with the UHC.
"Iba po ang UHC sa Orthopedic pagkat kasama dito ang libreng bakal (The UHC in Orthopedics is different because it includes free metal implants). We know that when a person breaks a bone or needs to replace a joint, the cost of the metal implants is very high, so this is included in the UHC with the assistance of PhilHealth," Pujalte said.