Tuguegarao city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated the Brain and Spine Center at the Cagayan Valley Medical Center (VCMC) in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. This initiative is part of the government's strategy to improve healthcare accessibility for Filipinos.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos highlighted the significance of the new specialty center, which is designed to provide comprehensive care for those with neurological and spinal disorders. The facility aims to serve residents of Cagayan Valley and nearby areas, eliminating the need for travel to Metro Manila for specialized treatment.

Marcos pointed out the concentration of medical facilities in Manila, emphasizing the absence of dedicated brain and spine care centers in other regions. He underscored the importance of establishing such centers to offer precise diagnoses and advanced treatments for neurological and spinal conditions.

He also stated the importance of learning from the Covid-19 pandemic to better prepare for future health challenges. The new center will bolster CVMC's capabilities in areas such as stroke intervention and neurosurgery, supported by cutting-edge technology and diagnostic tools.