East Avenue, Quezon City
15 February 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III graced the 38th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) and led the unveiling ceremony during the launching of its new facilities.

The President, together with Health Secretary Enrique Ona and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, conducted a tour and inspected the newly-installed facilities of the hospital such as the Hybrid Operating Room. According to PHC, the HOR is the first and the only one in the Philippines with its state-of-the-art imaging system and advanced cardiovascular technology procedures.

After the inspection, President Aquino gave a speech to a crowd composed of PHC doctors, nurses and employees. In his speech, he applauded the PHC for the continuous efforts they are making in serving the Filipino people with heart problems. “Hindi na lamang ito prestihiyosong imprastrakturang para lamang sa mayaman at makapangyarihan, kundi kanlungan para sa bawat Pilipinong nangangailangan,” he said. The President also commended them for the renovations in their equipment and facilities, which further enhance the capabilities of its doctors and nurses in providing better healthcare services.

President Aquino further remarked on the constant improvement of coronary health services in the Philippines including the structuring of additional Philhealth wards in PHC and the expansion of Philhealth Z Benefits where coronary bypass, total correction of tetralogy of fallot and closure of ventricular septal defect will be treated for free under the No Balance Billing Policy.

In the end, the President reminded everyone to always empower every Filipino by means of their health and education. “Isapuso lang natin ang pagmamalasakit sa isa’t isa, at pihado po ako: magtutuloy-tuloy na ang pagginhawa ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.

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