TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) – In its second year of operations, the Cagayan United Doctors Medical Center (CUDMC) appointed Dr. Mildred Ferrer-Banatao of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology as the new medical director.

Dr. Banatao will lead 337 workforces of CUDMC.

She recalled that during the opening of CUDMC in the middle of a pandemic last year, she was worried about financial constraints, and yet the CUDMC Board of Directors is steadfast to help the community, especially during the surge of Covid-19.

“Today marks the beginning of a new year for CUDMC. We have just begun our 2nd year, and with it comes changes and challenges, as we aspire to do better as an institution committed to render quality healthcare service,” Dr. Banatao said

Banatao acknowledged all the staff of CUDMC from housekeeping, guards, nurses, and medical doctors due to the positive feedback from their clientele for providing better services and maintenance of cleanliness in the hospital.

“Today we continue with our mission to make life healthier, easier, and safer as I accept this heavy load on my shoulder to lead CUDMC as the medical director. The position I have never dreamed of, not even thought of,” the new medical chief said.

“The operating room is my world, but for the love of CUDMC here I am, and seeing you all here, what we have achieved, what we still ought to do and must be done, I am here,” she added.

CUDMC immediately opened its covid ward last year due to the volume of Covid-19 patients while the referral hospitals in region 2 has already met their maximum bed capacity.

Meanwhile, happy faces will greet CUDMC qualified staff as the new medical director announced the One COVID-19 Allowance subject to the Department of Health’s guidelines.

On the other hand, outgoing Chief Operations Officer Jonathan Barangan awarded a certificate of appreciation to the various sponsors during the monthlong CUDMC’s anniversary.

The latter will be back to his original post as Chief Administrative Officer.

Nurses Mia Jane D. Frace and Marivie S. Dulin, the newly hired employees also took their oath of office.

“Let’s do this regular flag-raising ceremony every first Monday of the month to introduce new employees of CUDMC, latest updates and other important information,” Dr. Banatao said. (OTB/ADS/ PIA Region 2)