DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 10 March) — Indigent patients who need to undergo CT scan may now avail of this diagnostic service at the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center (DOPMC).
The Provincial Government launched the operation of its first Computed Tomography Scanner (CT Scan) at the DOPMC in Mati City on Wednesday, March 7.
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang said the new equipment is part of the provincial government’s efforts to improve health care services, especially for the poor. “This is a dream come true,” the Provincial Information Office quoted him as saying.
The CT Scan machine, which costs around P23 million, according to the PIO press release, was funded by the Department of Health through its Health Facility Enhancement Program. The DOPMC is still awaiting the delivery of an ultrasound machine and stationary x-ray machine.
“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,” the PIO’s press release said.
Common cases that need this diagnostic service include stroke and injuries resulting from trauma, among others.
The DOPMC management has proposed a pricing scheme submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, for patients who avail of the CT Scan. The proposal will be reviewed and subjected to a public hearing, the press release said.
But indigent patients can avail of the CT Scan service for free through the assistance 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 operations, including guidelines for availing welfare assistance.
DOPMC Chief of Hospital Dr. Reden Bersaldo, who assumed the post last month, said the launching of the CT Scan service “marks the opportunities to further improve our services. This is just the start of greater things to come for DOPMC.”
He said they want to train more medical staff, particularly nurses, to handle special medical equipment as he envisions making DOPMC a training facility.
“The more we expand the hospital, the more patients are likely to come in needing quality care,” he said.
The provincial government is expediting the completion of a new three-story building which will house the private rooms, chapel, a surgical wing including a surgical ICU and a pediatric ward, decongesting the old building which will be intended for the OB-Gyne ward. (MindaNews)