THE construction of the new main building of the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC), which has recently been approved for expansion into a 1,500-bed capacity from 600, is being fast-tracked in line with the Department of Health’s (DOH) modernization program.

Dr. Roland Joseph Mejia, R1MC director, said priority is on infrastructure development to address issues with the old facilities.

The building’s elevation has also been adjusted in line with the road elevation at its location, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in charge of raising the grounds of the structure.

Another six-story building currently under construction at the R1MC complex is also nearing the finishing stage and a second tower is in the planning phase.

Delays in these projects were primarily due to the three-year pandemic period and road works along Arellano Street.

For the bed capacity expansion, complementary staffing arrangements are still being adjusted, with the hiring of new personnel to be undertaken gradually.

Meanwhile, Mejia said the Cancer Institute at R1MC, which is now fully equipped, will provide free services through PhilHealth, the DOH Cancer Assistance Fund, and the Cancer and Supportive Palliative Medicine Access Program.

The facility already has adequate staffing levels to meet demand. (Ahikam Pasion)

 

R1MC ready to serve more cancer patients

THE Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) is ready to serve more cancer patients with the recent opening of its Cancer Institute Region 1 Medical Center Annex in Bonuan Binloc in Dagupan, Department of Health (DOH)–Ilocos Regional Director Paula Sydiongco said.

“R1MC is serving at least 18 cancer patients daily, kasama na dito ang screening, consultation and treatment and with the new facility, these number is expected to grow, which unfortunately, has become the second leading cause of mortality,” she said.

R1MC has served 59,643 cancer patients since 2023.

“There are many Filipinos who suffer from lung cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer, and with the Cancer Institute in place, so I encourage those who are suffering from cancer to visit the facility and avail themselves of its services,” she added.

In terms of coverage, patients can avail of the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF), which provides financial services not covered by PhilHealth and those only partially covered by the government’s Malasakit Program.

CAF is also available at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in San Fernando, La Union, and at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

The R1MC Cancer Institute has state-of-the-art cancer diagnostic and treatment machines, including a 128 CT scan, 1.5 Tesla MRI, linear accelerator, brachytherapy, chemotherapy, radiology, and palliative care.

It also offers pediatric oncology and hematology, medical and radiation oncology, gynecology and surgical oncology, targeted therapy, and blood transfusion.

President Ferdinnd Marcos Jr inaugurated the institute on May 23, 2025. (DOH-R1/CMU

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