Makati Mayor Abigail Binay has proudly announced that the Ospital ng Makati now offers mammography and portable X-ray services for residents.
This after the Digital Mammography and Portable X-ray machines recently acquired by the city government have been cleared for use by the Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration Center for Device Regulation, Radiation Health, and Research, based on the Radiation Protection Survey and Evaluation checklist.
“We have made these modern diagnostic equipment available to our residents in line with our thrust of preventive health care. We want our residents to have access to quality health care provided by competent doctors and medical staff who are equipped with advanced and reliable diagnostic tools, without having to spend a fortune,” Binay said.
The mayor assured Makati residents that health remains a top priority of her administration.
“Makatizens can look forward to enhanced health programs and services because my administration puts a premium on their health and well-being,” she assured.
The city government this year has allocated P4.1 billion for the Health sub-sector out of its P8.4-billion total budget for the Social Development sector, which also includes P2.8 billion for Education and P1.5 billion for Social Welfare.
Binay also noted that the clearance given by the government agencies was very timely, as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She said she has directed the hospital director, Dr. Vergel Binay, to ensure that patients will be properly accommodated and scheduled for a mammogram.
“We encourage Makatizens, especially those in their 40’s and older, to have themselves checked at Ospital ng Makati where the new digital mammography machine is ready for use,” she urged.
The Radiology Department has advised that the said equipment can accommodate up to 15 patients daily, from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
The Digital Mammographic Examination machine offers innovative features in the detection of breast-related diseases such as breast cancer. Besides OsMak, only a few hospitals in the country have it, such as Manila Doctors Hospital, St. Luke’s Medical Center, and Ospital ng Muntinlupa.
The machine has a 2D-3D biopsy and contrast-enhanced breast imaging which allows for a rapid capture of precise, highly quality resolution images. The device is also upgrade-ready to include digital breast tomosynthesis, which is a feature that constructs three-dimensional images of the breast.
This means that it can detect and measure the density of abnormal breast tissue sooner, which can help doctors determine options for treatment promptly.
The Portable X-ray features a cordless technology with a built-in battery charger. It also has a digital panel display with illumination of push button type for all operating parameters, making it easy to transport and easy to operate.
Last year, OsMak opened its very own Eye Center under the Department of Ophthalmology, eliminating the need to refer patients to other specialized hospitals for treatment of various eye problems.
Through the Yellow Card (Makati Health Plus Program), residents and other qualified members are provided free outpatient services, free laboratory and radiology diagnostic services, free medicines, and subsidized hospitalization at OsMak.
The city-run tertiary hospital offers a wide range of medical services, which include internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, surgery, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, dermatology, radiology and laboratory.