The Makati City local government on Thursday, September 12, announced that it will also offer its portable x-ray services to its sister local government units (LGUs) in the country as part of its expanding campaign against tuberculosis (TB).
The Fujifilm Xair portable x-ray system
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay emphasized the critical role the portable x-ray will play in the early diagnosis and treatment of TB, particularly in rural areas where access to medical facilities, doctors, and healthcare resources is limited.
“This portable X-ray unit is a key tool in our mission to combat TB in the Philippines. By sharing this resource with our sister LGUs, we aim to close the healthcare gap, especially in underserved and marginalized communities,” Binay said.
Makati currently has 558 sister cities and municipalities nationwide.
On September 4, the city received Fujifilm Philippines' Xair portable x-ray system, making it the very first LGU to have the device.
Xair is a 3.5 kg portable x-ray system that can be used in out-of-hospital settings like a patient's home visit and nursing care, places without a power source like natural disaster sites, and clinics and isolation wards.
Binay stressed the importance of ensuring that even the most remote populations can access advanced TB detection and care as she expressed concern over reports that there are more than 600,000 active TB cases in the country.
“Early diagnosis is essential to effective treatment. With this portable x-ray machine we can bring diagnostic services to fellow Filipinos often overlooked because of their location or lack of resources," she said.
The mayor also announced Makati's commitment to work closely with TB People Philippines President Ma. Eloisa Zepeda-Teng to strengthen efforts to fight tuberculosis.
"This partnership will focus on early detection, management, and raising awareness that tuberculosis can affect different parts of the body, not just the lungs," the city government said.
Advocating for the introduction of the latest technology in healthcare, Makati City continues to invest in the latest medical technology and comprehensive health management systems.
Recently, Makati Life Medical Center became the first in the country to acquire an AI-powered digital PET/CT scanner. This scanner provides advanced cancer detection and supports preventive care by enabling early diagnosis.
The city also employs a Health Information Management System (HIMS) to improve service delivery, efficiency, and coordination among healthcare providers. This system helps streamline patient care and ensure that Makati continues to offer quality healthcare services.
At the same time, some 200,000 Yellow Card holders and their dependents can access free KonsultaMD telehealth services, which supplement the city’s 16 health centers.
Telehealth provides round-the-clock medical consultations, offering residents immediate access to healthcare advice without having to visit physical health centers.