In a momentous occasion, the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) unveiled its Heart and Lung building, marking a significant leap forward in the region’s healthcare landscape.
Nestled in the heart of Western Visayas, this state-of-the-art facility stands as a beacon of excellence, offering comprehensive cardiovascular and pulmonary care services to patients across the region.
A Testament to Regional Excellence
“At the core of our mission lies a commitment to providing world-class healthcare services to the people of Western Visayas,” remarked Dr Mae Dagooc, head of the heart center, during a media conference. “With the inauguration of the cardiovascular and lung care center, we reaffirm our position as a Regional Apex hospital dedicated to raising the standard of excellence in cardiovascular and pulmonary care.”
Holistic Care Under One Roof
The WVMC Heart and Lung building boasts a comprehensive range of specialised services tailored to meet the unique needs of patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. For those seeking cardiovascular care, the center offers a myriad of services. These include advanced diagnostic procedures, interventional cardiology treatments, and cutting-edge cardiothoracic surgeries. Similarly, for patients requiring pulmonary care, the center provides state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy services, and various treatment modalities.
Pioneering Surgical Interventions
Since 2016, the hospital has been conducting open heart surgeries in collaboration with the Philippine Heart Center. The partnership has facilitated access to life-saving procedures for countless patients in the region. Notably, with the advent of the Heart and Lung Building, the WVMC has expanded its surgical capabilities. It used to conduct surgeries every Tuesday and Thursday, even with limited intensive care units. From 2021 to 2023, the hospital has served over 3,878 inpatients and performed 310 cardiovascular surgeries. It also conducted 1,462 cardiac catheterisation procedures.
Enhancing Accessibility and Affordability
Dr Joseph Dean L. Nicolo, the Medical Center chief, emphasised the center’s regional significance. Patients are now travelling from Palawan, Mindoro, and Bacolod to seek specialised treatments such as angioplasty or angiogram. He underscored the financial relief provided to patients. Costs are significantly lower than private hospitals. It is also coupled with the option for no balance billing under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
A Collaborative Endeavor for Healthcare Advancement
The realisation of the WVMC Heart and Lung building is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda. Her unwavering advocacy, alongside collaborative endeavours, secured funding support of PHP449 million for Phase 1 of the building, underscoring a shared commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality in the region.
Aligned with Universal Health Care
Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito highlighted the significance of establishing specialty centers like the WVMC Heart and Lung building in alignment with Universal Health Care principles. Additionally, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s prioritisation of specialty hospitals has further propelled the initiative. A further PHP10 billion budget has further been allocated for this purpose.
Charting a Path Towards Comprehensive Care
Simultaneously with the inauguration, the hospital also broke ground for its six-story cancer care center. Health Undersecretary Gloria Balboa emphasised the importance of decentralising specialised services to regional areas. This will ensure accessibility for patients and mitigate additional expenses associated with seeking care in Manila.
Empowering Communities Through Healthcare Excellence
The unveiling of the WVMC Heart and Lung building represents a pivotal moment in the region’s healthcare journey. Beyond providing specialised treatments, this state-of-the-art facility embodies a vision of empowerment, resilience, and hope for communities across Western Visayas. Through collaborative endeavours, visionary leadership, and a steadfast commitment to patient-centered care, the WVMC is poised to redefine healthcare excellence and positively impact the lives of individuals across the region for generations to come.
