MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Various members and stakeholders comprising the health sector of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the nation in general have poured their utmost support for the construction of a seven-storey multi-specialty building of the Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC).

APMC may open various facilities, such as the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound complex, ambulatory surgical and orthopedic units, lung and rehabilitation centers, service wards, and expanded out-of-patient, infectious, and dermatology departments, through the P500 million worth of allocation from the Department of Health (DOH) through its Multi-Year Obligation Authority (MYOA) for 2023 to 2025.

Taking into account the earmarked amount, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa underscored that this would be a testament to this ceaseless devotion to elevating the healthcare services provided to their patients in Mindanao, considering that the new building would house advanced medical equipment that would enable the medical professionals to deliver cutting-edge treatments and interventions.

“This is not merely a financial commitment. It is an investment in the health and well-being of our community. We recognize the evolving needs of our patients and the community we serve. Through our dedication, service, and inclusivity, we can build a health system for every Filipino towards the realization of a healthy Pilipinas [Philippines],” said Herbosa.

DOH Undersecretary for Field Implementation and Coordination Team for Visayas and Mindanao, Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr., was also elated over the improvement manifested by the APMC. He stated that with augmented facilities in tandem with dedicated medical personnel, the hospital is on the path to becoming fast-rising.

Dr. David Mendoza, assistant regional director of DOH-10, echoed this sentiment and expressed his appreciation for how APMC successfully shoved off barriers as it catered to patients regardless of religion and culture.

He affirmed that this hospital maintained its mission that health should be for everyone and front-liners should have a dedication to the people.

“The greatness of APMC is served, not only here but beyond Region 10. The construction of this multi-specialty center symbolizes the realization of ligtas, dekalidad at mapagkalingang serbisyo para sa lahat [safe, quality, and caring service for all],” said Mendoza.

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)-BARMM Regional Vice President Datu Masinding Alonto Jr., on the other hand, promised to amplify their linkage with the APMC, especially since they see its other infrastructure project as a milestone and a testimony to the dedication and leadership skills of the hospital’s management and workers despite the limited resources.

“PhilHealth’s concern is not only health outcomes but, more importantly, quality health outcomes. We shall remain consistent and reliable as always. For APMC, makakasiguro kayo ng tuloy-tuloy na pakikipag-ugnayan at tulong mula sa Philhealth. Hindi ito magbabago at mas lalo pa natin itong palalakasin [You can guarantee a continuous partnership and help from PhilHealth. This will not change, and we will strengthen this more] despite the challenges that we have encountered in the past,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid Raki-in Adiong vowed sturdy support for the APMC and its future endeavors.

Following the start of the construction of the multi-specialty building, he shared that they had already discussed with the hospital management their plans to secure numerous developments.

“Kami naman sa provincial government, nandito lang kami para sumuporta. Kahit ano ang inyong naiisip na programa, 100% ang aming suporta [We, in the provincial government, are here to support. Whatever program you have, we will give 100% support]," said Adiong.

Captain James Ames initially built Amai Pakpak Medical Center as a 25-bed hospital in 1903. The hospital was then called Lanao General Hospital, but people in the area just called it "Public Hospital." The name was changed to Amai Pakpak General Hospital in the 1970s, clearly to honor Datu Amai Pakpak, whose real name was Akadir Akobar. He was a Maranao hero who fought against the Spanish in the famous battle of Marawi in 1895. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)