Aquino inaugurates refurbished East Avenue Medical Center

UPDATED 5:30 p.m. - President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on Monday morning led the inauguration of upgraded facilities of the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City. In his speech, Aquino reiterated that the 13.6 percent increase in the budget of the Department of Health this 2011 will be allocated to government hospitals, rural health units, and health centers for the acquisition of functional equipment and competent health workers. He also said reforming the PhilHealth system is on going to increase the percentage of medical fees that will be shouldered by PhilHealth but in a way that does not compromise its financial viability. He added the reforms in PhilHealth will not only save thousands of families from disease and illness, but will also keep them afloat during times of economic difficulties. “At the bottom line, we are in the business of saving lives," Mr Aquino said. He said his administration is also working for the expansion of the coverage of the National Health Insurance Program to about 4.6 million indigent Filipino families in three years or less. After his speech, the President visited the upgraded radiology department, birthing center, centra sterilization unit, halfway house for cancer-striken children from provinces, nutrition and dietetics department and mini conference room. Accompanied by Health Secretary Enrique Ona, the President inspected the EAMC Radiology Department's upgraded radiologic imaging equipment. There were two brand new x-ray machines where fluoroscopy in real time can be accomplished and a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit so patients who have to undergo MRI no longer has to be referred to other institutions. The President also toured the new Birthing Center which was partly funded through the contributions from the different nursing schools affiliated with EAMC. The Chief Executive likewise inspected the Central Sterilization Unit at the hospital’s basement where a newly installed Matachana Series SC 500 sterilizer is located. The CSU will reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections with its centralized sterilization, inspection, packing, disinfection, storage and distribution carried out by specialized and experienced personnel. The President proceeded to the Tahan-Tahanan, where cancer-stricken children from the provinces can temporarily stay with a family member or caregiver while undergoing treatment in Metro Manila hospitals. At the Tahan-Tahanan, the patients are provided with free board and lodging coupled with a comprehensive enrichment program such as home-study, arts and crafts, sports, music, theater, dance and skills training for parents and caregivers. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office provided the financial assistance for the infrastructure and operations of the Tahan-Tahanan.– VVP, GMA News