Php 475.5-M Cancer Center to Rise in State-run Hospital in Cebu City

The first ever center in a state-run hospital in Cebu will rise at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) on B. Rodriguez St., Cebu City.

Dr. Gerardo Aquino, VSMMC medical chief, said the cancer center, which will be on the hospital’s tennis court, would cost Php 475.5 million.

The center will have 10 floors, two of which will be for parking spaces.

Outgoing Health Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin on Tuesday led the groundbreaking for the cancer center.

She was assisted by Cebu Reps. Gwendolyn Garcia (3rd District), Benhur Salimbangon (4th District), Raul del Mar (Cebu City, north district) and Rodrigo Abellanosa (Cebu City, south district).

While in Cebu, Garin also signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Republic Act 10770, which increases the VSMMC’s bed capacity from 800 to 1,200.

Garin also attended the opening of VSMMC’s Philhealth wards, which will cater to indigent and non-indigent patients who are supported by Philhealth.

Garin said that with the new cancer center and the signing of the IRR for RA 10770, VSMMC will be more capable to handle more patients and provide them with quality services. (PNA) RMA/EB/EDS