CCMC gets P38 million machine upgrade

CEBU, Philippines — To meet the growing demand for surgical procedures, the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) has unveiled ?38 million worth of newly acquired medical machines—a laparoscopic unit, a mechanical ventilator, and an anesthesia machine.

The equipment was formally presented late last week, with Mayor Nestor Archival personally inspecting the additions alongside City Administrator Albert Tan, Councilor Jose Abellanosa, and hospital officials in a bid to strengthen the hospital’s free surgical services for indigent patients.

Hospital Administrator Kenneth Siasar said the purchase was prompted by the increasing demand for surgical procedures at CCMC and the wear on its existing anesthesia machine.

“These machines will ensure that our doctors can continue performing surgeries safely and efficiently, while maintaining their commitment to free professional services,” he explained through a report of the city’s Public Information Office (PIO).

Chief Surgery Resident Dr. Stephanie Pangilinan expressed gratitude to the city government, stressing that the upgrade will sustain CCMC’s capacity to provide operations such as gallbladder, breast, hernia, and appendectomy procedures at no cost to patients.

“We encourage those who need surgery but cannot afford to pay—CCMC will provide what we can,” Dr. Pangilinan said.

Medical Director Dr. Anton Oliver Reposar emphasized that CCMC now operates with equipment comparable to private hospitals such as Chong Hua and Cebu Doctors University Hospital.

“The difference is that our patients receive the same quality of care without the financial burden, from admission until discharge,” he noted.

The unveiling comes even as CCMC continues to struggle with completing its long-delayed construction works.

The hospital building, which has been under construction for more than a decade, remains unfinished, with only the lower floors currently operational.

Mayor Archival, for his part, acknowledged the delays but reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to complete the facility.

He said earlier that a ?690-million budget previously approved under earlier administrations is earmarked for the completion of floors four through seven, while additional funding will be raised to finish interior portions and the roof deck.

“Padayon among paningkamot nga mahinayhinay natong makompleto ug mapaandar ang tanan nga pasilidad sa CCMC sa sunod tuig, aron mas lig-on, mas accessible, ug mas tinud-anay ang healthcare nga mahatag nato sa tanang Sugboanon,” Archival said.

This comes as the Cebu City government targets making CCMC fully operational and moving toward a zero-billing system in line with the national government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare support for the poor.

The mayor reiterated that health remains one of his administration’s top priorities, alongside education, garbage management, traffic, and flooding. (CEBU NEWS)