President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday urged Filipinos to prioritize regular check-ups at community health centers to catch cancer in its early stages.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Ayala-owned Healthway Cancer Care Hospital in Taguig City, Marcos emphasized the critical importance of proactive healthcare.
Marcos highlighted the government's programs to provide access to affordable cancer care, such as the Cancer Assistance Fund and the state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Konsulta primary care team.
"We have also made available primary care services where patients may consult for the early detection of cancer. The PhilHealth Konsulta primary care team is also available to provide free diagnostic examinations and laboratory tests," he said.
"For cancer treatment, we have designated 25 specialty centers in cancer care in select Department of Health hospitals nationwide," he added.
The President called on all sectors to support the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan and invest in more health facilities.
"I urge all public and private stakeholders to support the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan and invest in building more health facilities similar to the HCCH," he said.
"Rest assured, the government remains committed to nurturing an environment that upholds the total well-being of our people, of course, with the continued support of our private partners and investors in healthcare," he added.
The President expressed elation over the inauguration of the country's first cancer hospital.
Marcos said the opening of the HCCH is a significant milestone in the country's fight against cancer, which remains a leading cause of death among Filipinos.
"Cancer still remains one of the most dreaded illnesses in the country. Secretary Ted Herbosa had just informed me that cancer is now number three in terms of mortality among our general populace," he said.
"However, with facilities such as this, we will allow the main weapon that we have in combating cancer — early detection. Early detection allows patients the best chance to fight this disease," he said.
The 100-bed HCCH is equipped to provide a complete range of cancer services, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and post-cancer care.
Its cutting-edge equipment includes 18 chemotherapy infusion units, two linear accelerators, and diagnostic and imaging machines.