No less than President Benigno S. Aquino III has described as a milestone the establishment of the Dr. Romeo H. Gustilo Neurosciences Center and extended the country’s gratitude to the Makati Medical Center for the venture in a message on the occasion of the inauguration of the state-of-the-art complex on the third floor of Tower 1 this Tuesday morning.
The center will be formally opened in a program featuring an audio-visual on the history of the Department of Neurosciences, founded by Dr. Gustilo in 1973, the unveiling of the commemorative plaque, ribbon-cutting, blessing and the traditional toasting.
The inauguration is a welcome development for athletes, particularly those involved in contact sports. It will be recalled that late last year, a seminar on “Boxing and the Brain” was organized by a group of Filipino neurosurgeons in conjunction with the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians at the Diamond Hotel on Roxas Boulevard. One of the convenors was Dr. Regina Macalintal-Canlas, chair of the Department of Neurosciences at the Makati Medical Center. The seminar brought in ringside physicians Dr. Dominic Colletta of New Jersey and Dr. Ray Monsell of England and pro football Hall of Famer Carl Eller to share their views on the topic that has become increasingly relevant with the advent of mixed martial arts.
As a boxing fan, Dr. Canlas is more than willing to look into the neurological cases of fighters, including those afflicted with pugilistic dementia leading to Parkinson’s disease. Basketball players who suffer head injuries now have a refuge to run to in the country without having to travel abroad for specialized treatment.
By the way, Dr. Canlas is a huge Manny Pacquiao fan and collects memorabilia of his fights. Surely, there must be some kind of legislation that Rep. Pacquiao could introduce to provide assistance for neurologically-impaired and impoverished athletes. Perhaps, Pacquiao could be invited as a guest during this Tuesday’s inaugural program – he would certainly be interested in the center not only as a fighter but also as a legislator.
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President Aquino lauded the Makati Medical Center for “yet another manifestation of your commitment to serve our countrymen” and said the complex “is more than a structure – it stands for our optimism that a Philippines with accessible, quality health care is within reach; it stands for a new home for medical breakthroughs and a refuge for our fellowmen in need.”
The Department of Neurosciences was envisioned by Dr. Gustilo to be a tripartite unit consisting of the sections of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry, functioning independently of each other but cohesively bonded by the interdependence of their collective disciplines which is neuroscience.
“The field of neuroscience is vital to the efficiency of a wide spectrum of medical practices which makes our expertise all the more crucial in our mission to deliver the best health care methods to our citizenry,” said President Aquino. “As you continue to develop dynamic concepts and applications of basic neurological principles and seek to apply them to your current clinical practice, you further express your solidarity with our movement for change. We extend our support to your various advocacies and encourage you to remain tenacious in your pursuit of excellence.”
The Chief Executive noted that “the welfare of our citizens is the substance of our transformation agenda and the top priority in our government’s Social Contract with the Filipino people – in this daylight era of hope and reform, we look to you as a valuable ally in fulfilling this covenant; together, we can ensure a future of stability and sustained vigor for the Philippines.”
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The Neurosciences Center is the first of its kind in the country, equipped with a neurophysiology and sleep disorders laboratory, neurovascular laboratory, memory plus clinic, sub-specialty clinics for neuropsychology, movement disorders, headaches, epilepsy and functional neurosurgery. It has its own EEG rooms for pediatric patients, research room and an impressive conference room.
“The Center started as a testament to the life-long vision of its founder, Dr. Gustilo,” said Rosalie Montenegro, Makati Medical Center president and chief executive officer. “A passion for excellence, a translation of compassion and a holistic approach to the management of neurologic, psychiatric and neurosurgical patients. The inauguration is mere proof that the same brand of humane, dedicated and compassionate health care lives on within the walls of the new Neurosciences Center but more importantly, in the hard work and dedication of its staff to provide patients with the kind of care Dr. Gustilo had envisioned.”
Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr., in his message, said the Neurosciences Center “places the Makati Medical Center at the forefront in offering the best specialized services in the country and Makati City as the excellent destination for medical and neuro-psychological needs.” He added that the opening of the new complex is “a very valuable addition to the state-of-the-art medical facilities of Makati Medical Center that is sure to provide crucial services to Makati residents and all its clients...there is no doubt that neurosciences is an essential sub-specialty today since the demands of modern life are posing health risks to the psycho-behavioral, emotional, neurological and nervous system balance.”
Secretary of Health Dr. Enrique Ona, for his part, said the “historic” inauguration of the Neurosciences Center is “truly commendable” as it reflects Makati Medical Center’s commitment to provide Filipinos with access to quality hospital care. “The Department of Health encourages you to persevere in your efforts to provide quality health care for the benefit of the local population,” said Dr. Ona. “This is consistent with our noble goal of attaining universal health care for all Filipinos.”
Makati Medical Center medical director Dr. Benjamin Alimurung said the inauguration marks the continuance of the hospital’s dedication and compassion towards patients from all provinces of the country. He cited the department for helping patients from all sectors by providing competent and comprehensive neurologic, neurosurgical and psychiatric services employing the latest and most advanced medical techniques and facilities available.
Dr. Canlas said the inauguration is a dream come true and expressed gratitude to the Makati Medical Center management, Montenegro and Dr. Alimurung for their key roles in the establishment of the Neurosciences Center.