Press Release | 30 April 2024

The Department of Health (DOH), represented by Undersecretary Gloria
J. Balboa extends its outreach to the people of Western Visayas with
the launch of the Heart and Lung Center and the blessing of the Cancer
Care Center in the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC). Enabling the
functionalization of these specialty centers will allow residents of
Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental to
attain the Cardiovascular and Lung Care they may need without
traveling to higher-level facilities.

The activity was graced by Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, Iloilo City
Lone District Representative Julienne Baronda, Western Visayas Center
for Health Development Regional Director Adriano Suba-an, local chief
executives, WVMC Medical Center Chief Dr. Joseph Dean Nicolo, Lung
Center of the Philippines Executive Director Dr. Vincent Balanag,
Philippine Heart Center Executive Director Dr. Joel Abanilla, and
other representatives from the local government unit.

“We are not only improving patient care but also increasing the
efficiency and effectiveness of surgical procedures. This center
ensures that patients in Western Visayas no longer need to seek
referral to higher-level facilities for critical treatment,
contributing to the broader vision of our health sector under the
Department’s 8-Point Action Agenda — to improve public health
facilities and promote an image of a modern, efficient, responsive,
and compassionate health sector that is accessible to all, especially
the underserved,” expressed Undersecretary Balboa.

The project’s kick-off shall ensure that the currently outsourced
radiation services will soon be available within the WVMC vicinity.
Half-way rooms will also be available to aid clients living outside
the city of Iloilo. More patients can be accommodated for admission,
out-patient consults, hospice and pain management, and chemotherapy
sessions

“As we unveil the Specialty Centers at Western Visayas Medical Center,
I affirm the commitment of the Department of Health  to advancing
healthcare accessibility and quality for all Filipinos, as stated in
one of our 8-Point Action Agenda: Bawat Pilipino Ramdam and Kalusugan.
These state-of-the-art facilities underscore our dedication to
providing comprehensive care and improving healthcare outcomes across
the region tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas, kung saan Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,”
conveyed Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.