by Leonardo Micua
Recognizing the increasing number of Dagupan residents afflicted with cancer, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) adopted a resolution authorizing Mayor Belen Fernandez to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Region 1 Medical Center seeking to strengthen their partnership in providing medical care and treatment to cancer patients.
Authored by Councilor Jalice Cayabyab, chair of the city council’s committee on health, the resolution states that such collaboration will strengthen the City Government’s health programs and ensure that indigent and financially challenged cancer patients receive the necessary medical attention, treatment support, and access to specialized facilities.
R1MC, located in Dagupan City, is a tertiary government hospital under the Department of Health, equipped with specialized facilities and medical professionals capable of providing comprehensive cancer diagnostics, treatment, and management.
Last year, R1MC established a Cancer Treatment Facility, which includes modern diagnostic and therapeutic services intended to address the needs of cancer patients in the Ilocos Region and the neighboring provinces.
Cayabyab, a doctor, said that the MOA seeks to facilitate the provision of cancer-related medical services to qualified residents of Dagupan City, including but not limited to consultation, diagnostic procedures, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, monitoring, and other related interventions.
The MOA to be signed by Mayor Fernandez and Dr. Joseph Roland Mejia, R1MC chief, shall define the responsibilities and commitments of both parties, including mechanisms for patient referral, prioritization of qualified beneficiaries, coordination of medical services, and other related arrangements to ensure effective delivery of cancer treatment services.