Board members of the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) and the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc. (PCCAI) signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with representatives from various media companies on Monday.

Among the signatories was Chingkee Mangcucang of DAILY TRIBUNE Brand Communications.

In his speech, CGHMC president and CEO Dr. Kelly Sia said the hospital “continues to deliver inclusive and compassionate healthcare services.”

“This event not only celebrates our shared commitment to the well-being of our communities but also marks the beginning of a meaningful alliance between our institution and yours,” Sia stated.

Sia said the MoA signing focused on three things: partnership, engagement and collaboration.

He also lauded the role of the media during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We learned the critical role of sharing information and providing regular updates to the country, not just for awareness, but most importantly for public safety,” Sia added.

In case of another outbreak, he noted, the first line of defense is communication and information.

“The Chinese General Hospital is always at the forefront of helping people. So why not the media people? Because the media people are very important in disseminating information to our country,”

CGHMC medical director Dr. Samuel Ang told reporters on the sidelines of the MoA signing.

“The cost of healthcare is rising very fast. To us, in our small way, we can help media people in mitigating the expense of healthcare,” Ang added.

Ang stated that under the MoA, media members are entitled to a 30-percent discount on select medical services at the hospital, including laboratory fees and room rates.

“Just show us your IDs. In newspapers and TV stations,” he added.

Founded in 1891 during the Spanish period from charitable donations of Chinese immigrants, the CGHMC is a non-stock, non-profit tertiary healthcare institution owned and operated by the PCCAl.

It is authorized by the Department of Health to operate as a Level 3 hospital.

A Level 3 hospital is a healthcare facility that offers comprehensive specialized care, providing advanced medical interventions across various specialties, supported by a full range of physicians and medical professionals.

Situated on a spacious property along Blumentritt Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila, CGHMC employs over 600 medical practitioners and 1,600 paramedical and support personnel. It has 592 hospital beds, including 100 charity beds.

The hospital consistently upgrades its facilities with technologically advanced diagnostic medical equipment and introduces new services, serving not only patients but contributing to the medical training and education of its staff.