MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC), this city is set to welcome another boost to its healthcare system as a seven-storey multi-specialty building will soon rise within its compound. 

Such an event has begun to be realized following the ceremonial breaking of ground and laying time capsules.

APMC Medical Center Chief Dr. Shalimar Sani Rakiin stressed that this initiative has signaled the dawning of a bright future for their hospital as this would fulfill their ultimate dream, which is to yield better healthcare services to all needy constituents of Lanao del Sur province and neighboring localities. 

She explained that over two years after the onslaught of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), their management faced the demanding liability of upgrading their place to create a conducive environment for medical professionals, allowing patients to receive highly specialized clinical care without financial struggles.

Rakiin also noted that part of the crucial mission of this infrastructure would be to keep pace with the advent of innovations that likewise bring medical advancements at an unprecedented phase. 

“We understand the importance of investing in the future of healthcare, and this multi-specialty center signifies our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our community. Through collaborative efforts and partnership, we aim to create a healthcare ecosystem that fosters innovation, research and excellence,” she said.

The APMC management noted that a P500-million budget was apportioned by the Department of Health (DOH) through its Multi-Year Obligation Authority (MYOA) for 2023 to 2025 to allow them to unveil additional facilities. It would include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound complex, ambulatory surgical and orthopedic units, lung and rehabilitation centers, services wards, and expanded out-of-patient, infectious and dermatology departments. 

Accordingly, the endeavor would be fully aligned with the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan (PHFP), and DOH Department Order No. 2021-0001, which designated the APMC to deliver comprehensive multi-specialty services such as cardiovascular, lung, orthopedic, physical rehabilitation medicine, mental health, neonatal, infectious disease and tropical medicine, eye, dermatology, renal or kidney, cancer, and trauma centers.

Moreover, this would be guided by the framework provided by the Republic Act No. 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in August this year to establish and institutionalize special healthcare centers in communities. She said with this issuance,

Foreseeing a triumphant rise of their new infrastructure, APMC Chief Medical Professional Staff Dr. Moamar Casim expressed his positivity that with the unity of health advocates, their determination to be an end-referral hospital offering specialized services would surely bear good fruit.

“This is another breakthrough and achievement of the Amai Pakpak Medical Center towards our plan of achieving our vision to be an ideal apex multi-special center in Northern Mindanao. This is a testament to the greater heights we achieve when we support, commit and work together,” he said.

As targeted, the foundation of the promising infrastructure should be completed in 2025. The Legacy Construction Corporation, the contractor hired for this project, assured to finish this on time while following the DOH-approved construction plans and engineering standards to ensure a quality and durable building. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)