IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) - The Dr. George Tocao Hofer Medical Center (GTHMC) will soon be offering upgraded healthcare services to residents of Zamboanga Sibugay following the acquisition of new medical equipment funded by the P50 million grant from the Office of the President. 

A state-of-the-art 32-slice GE Computed Tomography or CT scan machine and mechanical ventilators are among the equipment to be acquired for the hospital, said provincial legal officer Anna Liza Gonzales. 

Improvements to the CT Scan room, which included the installation of metal anti-radiation measures, the construction of a reception and waiting area, and the provision of furniture and fixtures, will also be undertaken in the hospital.

Expressing the long-awaited necessity for a CT scan facility, Gonzales underscored its critical role in addressing trauma incidents, such as head injuries and others. 

"In the past, patients requiring CT scans were often referred to neighboring provinces for diagnosis and treatment. With the introduction of the CT scan machine at our facility, we can now promptly assess and treat such cases locally, eliminating the need for referral to higher-level hospitals," she stated.

In preparation for the operationalization of the CT scan machine, Gonzales highlighted the training of concerned staff, including ultrasonologists, to interpret scan results accurately. Moreover, she emphasized the machine's connectivity, enabling real-time access to results and facilitating online transmission to partner or accredited physicians for validation, if necessary.

Looking ahead, Gonzales hinted at future endeavors, revealing plans for the establishment of a Women’s Health Center funded by Malacañang. This center will have advanced medical technology like digital mammography, 3D breast ultrasound, and pelvic vaginal ultrasound. It will also have improved facilities, showing the government's dedication to improving healthcare access and quality for everyone. (KSA/EDT/JPA/ Zamboanga Sibugay)