LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital (GRBASMH) receives a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine from the Department of Health (DOH) Ilocos region on Feb. 1.

The said machine is funded through the department’s General Appropriations Act of 2020 amounting to Php48.5 million and facilitated by its Health Facility Enhancement Program.

“Mas mapapabuti at mabibigyan ng tamang lunas ang mga maysakit sa tulong ng MRI machine dahil mas masusuri na silang mabuti. The MRI has been proven valuable in diagnosing a broad range of conditions, including cancer, heart, and vascular disease, and muscular and bone abnormalities and everyone can avail of its service at the provincial hospital,” said DOH-I Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco.

She further said that DOH continues to ensure the provision of highest possible quality of health care and improvement of medical facilities in the localities.

“Under the Universal Health Care, ang mga health facilities ng gobyerno ay ating aayusin at bibigyan ng mga kinakailangang mga health equipment upang lahat ng mga pasyente ay mabigyan ng kinakailangan nilang medical care at treatment at hindi na kinakailangang pumunta sa mga malalayong hospital upang makapagpagamot.” Added Sydiongco. 

On the other hand, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc thanked the health department for giving the medical equipment that will improve emergency and essential services in the province.

“This is the first time of the history of Ilocos Norte na we will have an MRI machine sa ating mga facilities. So, we’re very glad and honored,” said Manotoc during the turnover ceremony.

Manotoc said the provincial government is working on their commitment to raise the compensation of healthcare professionals in the province and its plan to hire more medical professionals.

He also assured that the donated equipment will be utilized and properly maintained. (JCR/MJTAB, PIA Ilocos Norte)