Cayetano vows to push for cut-rate healthcare

CEBU, Philippines -  Senator Pia S. Cayetano vowed to continue pushing for affordable healthcare services for the public, this after the lady senator attended the formal opening of the University of Cebu Medical Center Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Center last Wednesday.

Cayetano, a former member of the national volleyball team, an active triathlete, and an advocate of athletesí rights, expressed her utmost excitement and support for the center but stressed the importance of providing these types of healthcare to those who can't afford it.

"My job as a policymaker would be to make these services accessible by having PhilHealth and private providers come up with packages that are really more reasonable to help people able to afford the health care that they need" Cayetano said.

The senator who was speaking as an athlete, a citizen, and public servant also reminded the public that the government is always ready for partnerships that will make the endeavor possible.

University of Cebu Medical Center which opened last year, hits another milestone as they open their Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Center, which will provide therapy services and conditioning programs, not just for in and out patients, but for anyone who wishes health wellness as well.

UCMed's Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Center, which had its soft opening on May 5, currently has four physical therapists and one occupational therapist who will attend to clientsí complaints, goals and needs.

Head physical therapist Maia Lucille Pacubas said that the center is open for pediatrics and geriatrics. The center is also ready to provide orthopedic, neurological, musculoskeletal treatments, and even advanced physical and occupational therapy.

"Aside from that, what's different in this Rehab Center is the Sports medicine so we also cater to clients, we provide conditioning programs and then they come here for physical fitness" Pacubas said when asked about the center's edge against other medical institutions.

The center, which aims for a carefree ambiance, has five cubicles with treatment beds along with top of the line equipment for cryotherapy, lymphastim, shockwave, and infra radiation, among others.

It also has a traction room for gait training, as well as gym equipment like treadmills and stationary bikes for client use. A garden-like outdoor track is open should the clients feel confined and uncomfortable within the center.

"If they come here for treatment, they will forget that they are treated as patient that thereís something wrong with them, so mao na ang nakanindot sad kay aside from here, sa whole feel sa center, they also have the track outside to forget that they are even in the hospital," Pacubas added.

At least 40 clients a day will be attended by the center. Each one will consult with a doctor and will work through their goals alongside physical therapists who will modify the therapy as they go.

UCMed aims to spread Sports Medicine throughout the region and serve more people until then. The center is open from Monday to Saturday at 8am to 5 pm. (FREEMAN)