Philippine Heart Center to improve facilities

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Heart Center (PHC) will soon embark on a major upgrade of its facilities and equipment to improve the quality of health care services for patients with heart ailments.

“We are building three new operating rooms, including a specialized hybrid operating room, the first in the Philippines, and an operating room dedicated to pediatric heart surgery,” said Dr. Gerardo Manzo, PHC assistant director for medical services.

Manzo said the PHC will add new rooms and more than 100 beds to accommodate more patients, citing heart disease as still the leading cause of death in the Philippines, with almost 3,000 cases of heart failure each year.

The PHC has already acquired modern medical equipment to improve its services. Some of its latest acquisitions are three new 3D echocardiograms, point-of-care testing devices, and a new anesthesia machine from medical equipment provider HealthSolutions Enterprises Inc.

“Those who want the best cardiac care should come here. We have some of the best facilities that can match and even surpass those of other leading hospitals,” Manzo said.

He said the hospital, with its advanced cardiac care facilities, generates funds from “paying” patients to help defray the treatment costs of marginalized patients, enabling the “haves” the chance to help the “have-nots.”

On its 37th year, the PHC aims to maintain its position as the center of heart care in the Philippines. It is accredited by Accreditation Canada International for excellence in hospital practices and patient safety.