Under the banner of national government’s Universal Health Care (UHC) Program promoting accessible healthcare for every Filipino, His Execellency President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. leads the inauguration of the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) Cancer Institute located at Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan City on Friday afternoon, May 23.
The state-of-the-art healthcare facility offers a variety of services particularly Free Consultation, Diagnostic Procedures, Radiation Treatment, Chemotherapy, Blood Transfusion and Targeted Treatments that will benefit not only Dagupeños but neighboring cities, municipalities and regions in Northern Luzon.
President Marcos then shared his message of gratitude while ensuring that accessible and efficient medical services would remain as one his administration’s priority vowing to open more specialized healthcare centers in different parts of the country.
“Noon pa man sinabi ko na, kahit anong ganda ng ating ekonomiya, kahit gaano karami ang trabaho o taas ng sweldo, hindi ito nararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan kung may iniindang sakit, kaya tayo po ay nakatutok sa pagsasaayos, pagpapalakas ng ating healthcare system. Patuloy po ang administrasyon sa pagtatayo ng DOH Specialty Centers.” Marcos said.
The Head of the State signed into law last May 8, Thursday, the Republic Act 12203, increasing the hospital’s capacity from 600 to 1,500 allowing the healthcare institution to accomodate more patients.
R1MC Medical Center Chief Dr. Joseph Roland Mejia shared that the facility has responded to a total of 59,643 patients with an average of 88 cancer consultation and treatment per day as of its soft opening.
Among those present in the event were esteemed guests namely Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, DOH Undersecretary Achilles Gerard C. Bravo, DOH Undersecretary Glenn Mathew Baggao, DOH Regional Director Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco, Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III, 4th District Representative-elect Manay Gina de Venecia, Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, R1MC healthcare workers, LGU employees and patients.
The historical inauguration of the region’s cancer institute serves as a testament to the national government’s active call in promoting optimal health and wellness in the country: “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga.”
