• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
With the intent to provide accessible, comprehensive, and affordable treatments for cancer patients, the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) inaugurated its new Cancer Care Center at the hospital grounds yesterday.
Set to operate starting August 26, it is reportedly the first cancer care center built across the Negros Island Region, and will cater to outpatients coming from different places within the region.
During the opening statement, Medical Center Chief II Dr. Joan Cerrada highlighted the necessity of a cancer care center, as cancer is considered to be the second highest cause of mortality among Filipinos, and is a primary health concern.
“We remain true to our mission, and that is to provide care and hope to our patients and help them fight stronger. As our banner says, hope just transferred to a new home,” Cerrada highlighted in her message.
Department of Health Negros Island Region Director Dr. Razel Nikka Hao, in her speech, committed that they will continue to pursue their commitment to fight the toughest public health concerns by expanding early cancer detection and specialty care, strengthening survivor programs, and ensuring dignity so that no patients will be abandoned by the system.
“The center is not just a treatment site. It is the apex of a regional cancer care network. CLMMRH carries the mandate not only to provide specialized services but also to lead the system and set the standard for the Negros Island Region,” she stressed.
Hospital Chaplain Rev. Fr. William Padios led the blessing of the cancer center.
Present at the event were Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor Claudio Jesus Raymundo Puentevella, former councilor Ricardo Tan, Negros Occidental 6th District Representative Mercedes Alvarez, Dr. Adonis Guanda, Head of the Cancer Care Center, and the staff of the center.
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
The center, which cost around P35 million, was constructed through the collaboration of the Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, CLMMRH, and the office of former Congressman Greg Gasataya.
The center featured facilities with advanced technological equipment intended for the efficient treatment and therapy sessions of its ambulatory patients.
Among its facilities are cancer patient consultations, ambulatory treatment area for chemotherapy sessions, a procedure room for special treatment procedures, and cytotoxic rooms located on the ground floor. Meanwhile, the second floor is composed of offices such as cancer research, DOH-PHIC access, and the nurse supervisor’s offices.
The facility highlighted its Child Life Program Clinic, a playground facility intended for pediatric cancer patients, to reduce their stress and allow them to enjoy themselves before or after therapy.
As of the moment, the center is open to cater to outpatients and short course chemotherapy only, according to Cancer Care Center Nurse Supervisor John Phillip Rollo.
The center offers one-stop shop experience for patients as it has billing and medical social services stations, pharmacy, and offices.
Furthermore, a bell of hope was stationed beside the entrance of the center, which will serve as a symbol of hope and life for the patients, as it is a tradition that a cancer patient will ring the bell to declare that they are cancer-free.
A census states that in CLMMRH alone, the center caters to 180 pediatric patients and around 1500 adult cancer patients.*
