1 day ago
10
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan — Gov. Ramon Guico III led the inauguration and blessing of the province's first-ever Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) here on Wednesday, marking another milestone in the province's public health care system.
The state-of-the-art imaging equipment is expected to enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve patient care across Pangasinan's gov-ernment-run medical facilities.
"This is a historic first for Pangasinan. Today, we take another significant step in transforming public health care in the province," said Dr. Cipri-ano Fernandez, PPH chief.
He also thanked the governor for his commitment to health reforms.
MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that produces high-resolution images of internal organs, bones, muscles, and blood vessels, enabling physicians to make more accurate assessments and deliver timely treatments.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox
Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters
By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Guico said the installation of the MRI was a landmark achievement, noting that it is the first time the provincial government has acquired such an advanced medical device.
"Congratulations to the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital for leading this initiative. This is just the beginning," Guico said.
On the same day, Guico also inaugurated a new diagnostic building at the Mangatarem District Hospital (MDH) in Mangatarem town.
The facility is equipped with a 32-slice CT scanner, stationary and portable X-ray units, and ultrasound machines, significantly expanding the hospital's diagnostic services.
MDH chief Dr. Eusebio Sison described the inauguration as a historic moment for the municipality, thanking Guico for being the first provincial leader to fulfill a campaign promise to modernize health care infrastructure.
"Because of Governor Guico's dynamic leadership, Pangasinan is entering an era where long-held aspirations are finally being realized," Sison said.
Hospital modernization is a cornerstone of Guico's administration, which aims to uplift the lives of underserved Pangasinenses through im-proved access to quality health services.
Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino, who also attended the ceremonies, expressed full support for the governor's initiatives.
"In just three years, we've seen remarkable changes in education, infrastructure, and social services, especially health care. Pangasinan is clearly on the path to progress," Lambino said.
Aside from the PPH here and the district hospital in Mangatarem, the provincial government also runs district hospitals located in towns of Tayug, Bayambang, and Lingayen, and in the cities of Alaminos and Urdaneta City.
It also operates seven community hospitals in Mapandan, Asingan, Pozorrubio, Bolinao, Umingan, Dasol and Manaoag.
Looking ahead, Guico outlined an ambitious plan to establish at least 20 government hospitals across the province by 2031.
He also envisions a network of specialty facilities such as the Heart Center, Kidney Center, Lung Center and Children's Medical Center.
Since taking office, Guico has led the procurement of cutting-edge diagnostic equipment — purchases that were not made under previous administrations. These include 19 stationary X-ray machines, 21 mobile X-ray units, 22 ultrasound machines, and six CT scanners.
Pangasinan's health care gains under Guico were recently recognized by the Department of Health, which named the province "Kampeon ng Kalusugan sa mga Komunidad" in February.
