It features the capability to serve adult cardio cases, such as coronary angiograms and angioplasties, pediatric cardio cases involving hemodynamic studies, vascular and interventional radiology procedures, and electrophysiology procedures.

The newly-inaugurated hybrid cathlab comes at a cost of P110 million. Another cathlab amounting to P75 million will be inaugurated on February 15, 2024.

SPMC chief, Dr. Ricardo B. Audan Jr., is optimistic that this newest addition to SPMC facilities will mark a significant milestone for the hospital and, more importantly, for the countless lives that will be touched by this state-of-the-art medical advancement that this facility brings.

"With state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled healthcare workers, we are ready to take on the responsibilities that come with being recognized as a world-class, service-oriented apex hospital that is leading in the provision of healthcare for all Filipinos as stated in our vision," Audan said during the inauguration of the facility on February 8, 2024, at SPMC’s Heart Institute.

SPMC’s chief of clinics, Dr. Fitzgerald Arancel, said this hybrid angio-CT catheterization laboratory operates with three approaches to interventions for cases such as massive organ bleeding, tumors, and strokes.

Arancel cited, for instance, that intervention can be done to clog a vessel that is bleeding without significantly opening up the patient, saying, “Ultimately, it lessens (the bleeding) and there’s time for the patient to recover.”

Narrowing the gap of poverty

John Rey Sumayang, 24 years old, is holding hopes to the newly-inaugurated facility as he will be one of the first few patients to avail of the laboratory procedures to address a cancerous mass on his chest.

For Sumayang, the facility is heaven-sent as he will be availing of the needed procedures with no expense at all through the charity programs.

As an employee at SPMC’s housekeeping department, his salary could only support his studies as a sophomore at one of Davao’s colleges.

Arancel emphasized that SPMC’s facilities are indeed top-of-the line and expensive, but its policy makes sure that all these facilities are available to people from all walks of life.  

“SPMC will narrow that gap of poverty by making all these facilities available, whether you’re rich, middle-income, or poor. We wanted to make sure that every Filipino is being taken care of, whether you’re financially capable or financially challenged,” he stressed.

He assured that the patients, especially the indigent or the low-income sectors, will not be burdened by the hospitalization expenses, as most if not all of the procedures are already earmarked for assistance.

Aside from the benefits from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), several charity programs are

“This is not only intended for Davaoeños but the entire Mindanao. We are the lead DOH hospital in Mindanao. Anybody can avail of our facilities, as long as you are a Filipino, a Mindanaoan. Whether you are rich or poor. But we give emphasis to the indigents,” Audan said.

He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the key proponents for materializing their dream project.

He thanked Senators Juan Edgardo "Sonny" M. Angara, and Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, for their unwavering support and commitment to improving health care programs, which resulted in innovative opportunities to address a variety of healthcare needs.

This achievement positions SPMC as an apex hospital, well-equipped and prepared for the challenges posed by the Universal Healthcare initiative. (CLC/PIA Davao)