The Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) is now accessible to those who want to avail of technical assistance from its Cancer Control Program.
BGHMC Medical Center Chief, Dr. Ricardo Ruñez, Jr. said linkages between various hospitals were strengthened with the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Act, which prescribes the formation of network between and/or among stakeholders.
“Our primary role is really giving advocacies as supposedly the one that can give the best advice in terms of clinical practice guidelines, advocacies on how to prevent certain diseases, technical assistance with regards to diagnosis and treatment,” Ruñez said.
In the past years, the BGHMC recorded a rise in the number of cancer patients, and it has been expanding its services, but “it seems we have to do more, especially in prevention as well as the curative aspect of cancer care, he said.
Runez said the BGHMC aims to be an advanced comprehensive center in terms of accessibility, affordability, and quality health care that patients deserve.
He is hopeful this will be realized in the next few years with the support of the Department of Health.
“We are committed not only to developing ourselves here in this part of the Cordillera region but also helping out other hospitals develop their cancer center programs,” he said.
DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau Director Anthony Cu commended the BGHMC for displaying excellence in its cancer control program and for being a strong partner in helping cancer patients.
As a designated Advanced Comprehensive Cancer Specialty Center in North Luzon, BGHMC is a strong support to other nearby hospitals in providing needed capacity development while maintaining as a cancer specialty center, Cu said.
The BGHMC has been catering to cancer patients since the 1980s. With the establishment of the BGHMC Cancer Institute in April 2017, it is now offering pediatric and outpatient chemotherapy including radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, and onco-pharmacy. – Debbie E. Gasingan
April 26, 2024
