PCSO donates P10M x-ray machine to POC

Needy patients will now receive upgraded x-ray services from the Philippine Orthopedic Center.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office donated P10 million to the POC last March 15 for the purchase of a digital x-ray machine for the benefit of indigent patients.

PCSO chairperson Margarita Juico handed the check last March 15 to POC medical chief Dr. Luisito Maano during a turnover ceremony held at the PCSO. With them were POC radiology department chief Dr. Eugene Dy and PCSO special projects department manager Jose Bernardo Gochoco Jr.

POC is a 700-bed tertiary special hospital under the Department of Health that treats patients with orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions. It is the major referral center for spinal injuries in the country; however it owns only three x-ray machines, all analog types.

“The machines that we have are very old and still use plates which are now difficult to find on the market,” said Maano. “A new digital machine will greatly enhance our services to our patients. We are grateful for the generosity of PCSO.”

Maano said that with the use of digital machine, x-ray services will become cheaper and faster. In addition, information taken can be saved to the patients’ database.

Around 300 patients per day are served with POC’S analog machines. With the purchase of the digital machine, an additional 100 patients can be served.

PCSO also assists POC’S patients through its prosthesis assistance program.

Juico said the PCSO is studying a possible increase of the endowment fund given to the hospital, “in order to benefit as many patients as possible.”