MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) paid tribute to Sen. Sonny Angara for his efforts to improve healthcare for Filipinos.
In homage to Angara’s birthday on Saturday, Dr. Gap Legaspi, University of the Philippines – PGH Director, highlighted the senator’s role in enhancing the healthcare services of the country’s national university hospital.
“He asked me how much was needed to make it possible for poor Filipinos to have excellent healthcare. When I gave him the amount, over the span of a few years, we were able to reach that. Currently, we have used all those funds to provide timely and high-level care at PGH,” said Legaspi.
The PGH official stated that the additional funding directly benefitted around 350,000 patients annually.
“More than the number is the quality of care,” added Legaspi.
“When I started as director in 2016, we were only spending P17,000 per patient. Now in the latest report from our accounting department, it’s gone to almost P50,000 per patient. But there are patients who had treatment that would cost P1.2 million and we were able to do that,” said Legaspi.
Photo credit: Senator Sonny Angara
Angara holds a special affinity for UP-PGH, as both of his grandparents were among the university’s first nursing graduates.
Likewise, EAMC has greatly benefitted from Angara’s legislation.
Dr. Alfonso Nunez III, EAMC Director, said that, through the senator’s help, the hospital has become capable of aiding around 900,000 patients per year.
“We were able to purchase state-of-the-art equipment, which enhanced efficiency and effectiveness for our patients and personnel,” he said.
“Right now, we are completing the construction of our cancer center… With the support of Sen. Angara, we were able to strategize building a four-story building that will house not only the linear accelerator radiation machine, but also the CT Scan, a nuclear facility, a chemotherapy area, and a training facility for those interested in pursuing cancer care,” Nunez said.
Nunez said these advancements would not have been possible without Angara’s help.
“Sen. Angara, happy birthday. On behalf of the East Avenue Medical Center, thank you for your support and your commitment to our hospital,” he said.
“Our prayer… is for you and your family to be protected by the Almighty God and for you to enjoy a long life.”
READ: Angara: Health sector 3rd most funded under Senate panel’s version of 2022 budget