Bacolod: The Department of Health (DOH) unveiled the Cancer Care Center at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), expanding the delivery of cancer treatment and related services in the Negros Island Region (NIR).
According to Philippines News Agency, the two-story healthcare facility, set to officially open on August 26, is equipped to provide intravenous chemotherapy, bone marrow biopsies, lumbar punctures, intrathecal chemotherapy, child life services, and seamless referrals for radiotherapy. DOH-Negros Island Regional Director Razel Nikka Hao emphasized that the center is the focal point of a regional cancer care network, aiming to ensure no cancer patient in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, or Siquijor is left behind.
The CLMMRH-DOH Cancer Care Center is structured with financing systems like the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.'s Z-benefit packages and the Cancer Assistance Fund to make treatment accessible. Hao stated that CLMMRH is tasked with leading, training, mentoring, and setting the pace for cancer care in Negros, with DOH-NIR supporting this mandate by aligning resources and building systems.
Dr. Joan Cerrada, CLMMRH medical center chief, highlighted that the Cancer Care Center provides a comprehensive experience for patients and their families. The ground level manages consultations and chemotherapy, while the second level houses the child life program, survivorship clinic, cancer research office, and more. The upper level also includes the oncology pharmacy, DOH-PhilHealth access office, and other services.
The CLMMRH initiated its Cancer Care Center in 1994, with Dr. Adonis Guancia, the Faces Foundation, and the Andres Soriano Foundation setting up the first Oncology Unit in Negros Island. Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya noted that the national government allocated PHP35 million for the construction of the facility, fulfilling a commitment to bring specialty health services closer to the region's residents.
