The local government of Bulacan has opened the Philippines' first locally funded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facility, marking a milestone in accessible and modern diagnostics for Filipinos.

Situated at the Bulacan Medical Center, the new open MRI system is developed and powered by Time Medical Systems, a global medical imaging company.

Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando said this represents a pivotal step toward universal healthcare across the country.

“Ideally, every tertiary-level hospital should have an MRI for diagnostics. For years, people [had] to travel far and spend more just to get the scans they need," Fernando said.

"Now, Bulakenyos can access world-class diagnostic services right here in our province—safely and affordably," he added.

The Bulacan official said the project exemplifies how local governments can lead the way in bridging healthcare gaps, complementing the Department of Health’s national vision for universal healthcare.

“This project shows how public-private partnership can come together for real impact,” Joyce Socao, CEO and Managing Director of Time Medical Philippines, said.

“We are proud to work alongside the Government of Bulacan under the leadership of Governor Fernando in delivering advanced and affordable MRI technology to the people—proving that world-class healthcare should be accessible to all," Socao added.

According to Time Medical, its PICA Open MRI is designed specifically for patient comfort and practicality in local settings. Its open architecture reduces anxiety for claustrophobic, elderly, and pediatric patients.

Meanwhile, its helium-free, permanent magnet technology makes it more cost-efficient, low maintenance, and power-stable, making it particularly suited for provincial hospitals.

In addition, the MRI’s built-in Teleradiology feature—a first of its kind in the country—allows radiologists to interpret scan results remotely and in real time, ensuring faster turnaround and expanding access to medical expertise even in remote areas.

“Time Medical’s mission has always been clear—to make medical imaging accessible to every population, not just in major cities,” Socao continued.

“With Bulacan taking the lead, we hope other LGUs will follow suit and make advanced diagnostics part of every Filipino’s right to healthcare," she added.

The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Memorandum Circular No. 26, issued on 14 July 2023, which adopts the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan 2020–2040. The directive encourages local government units and private partners to collaborate through Public-Private Partnerships to close infrastructure gaps and strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.