DAVAO ORIENTAL – Indigent patients with cases that need to undergo CT scan may now avail of this “highly sought-after” diagnostic service as the Provincial Government launched the operation of its first Computed Tomography Scanner at the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center (DOPMC).
Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, who led the opening and blessing of the new state-of-the-art equipment on Wednesday, March 7, said that the new facility is part of the provincial government’s efforts in improving healthcare services, especially for the poor.
Funded by the Department of Health (DOH) through its Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP), the new CT scan which costs around P 23 million is among the new set of equipment being acquired by the province that includes the soon-be-delivered ultrasound machine and stationary x-ray machine.
Governor Dayanghirang thanked the DOH for providing the equipment which will help thousands of indigent patients here who could not afford this relatively expensive diagnostic test. “This is indeed a “dream come true” for the province,” he said.
With the new CT scan, physicians will be properly guided on how to manage patients and when to refer them, thus, preventing the unnecessary transport of patients to big hospitals in other cities.
Common cases that are in need of this diagnostic service include stroke and injuries resulting from trauma, among many others.
Although still on the process of complying for the requirements for a license to operate, the CT scan is now fully operational with specially trained radiologists, doctors who read and interpret results; radiology technologist; and CT a scan nurse—all of whom are all fully equipped to handle the equipment and patients under their care.
As to the cost of a CT scan test, the DOPMC management has prepared a proposed set of prices yet to be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalalwigan. This will be reviewed and will be further subjected to a public hearing.
However, indigent patients who cannot afford the cost for the diagnostic test may avail social welfare services of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PSCO), the City Lingap, and the City Welfare and Provincial Welfare Offices. The DOPMC management said it has already arranged the rules, policies, and regulations for the smooth flow of operation, including guidelines for availing welfare assistance.
More than just an income-generating facility, the CT scan machine symbolizes the Provincial Government’s efforts to upscale services at the DOPMC.
Highlighting the role of Former Governor, now First District Representative Corazon N. Malanyaon, in the acquisition of the modern equipment, Dayanghirang said her efforts in laying down the foundation for quality healthcare services in the province, such as the expansion of the hospital and improvement of health facilities, will not go down the drain as his administration is committed to further push for more improvement for the hospital and its services.
DOPMC to Operate on Its Full Potential
DOPMC Chief of Hospital Dr. Reden Bersaldo, who has just assumed the position last month, is setting up big plans to further improve the operation of Davao Oriental’s biggest health facility with the active support of the leadership of Governor Dayanghirang.
He said that aside from augmenting the present need for new equipment, his management is eyeing to train more medical staff, particularly nurses, to handle special medical equipment as he envisions making DOPMC a training facility. By Karen Lou Deloso
