BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
The province of Pangasinan took a significant step forward in public healthcare with the inauguration of its first-ever Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine and a new diagnostic building on April 30.
The provincial government unveiled the MRI machine at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City.
This marks the first time a provincially operated hospital in Pangasinan has acquired such advanced equipment.
“This is another first for our province,” said Dr. Cipriano Fernandez, Chief of Hospital at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital. “Having our own MRI completes the diagnostic puzzle. It allows our doctors to make more accurate diagnoses and provide better treatment for patients.”
The launch was led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III and Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino.
“Congratulations to our entire provincial hospital system for this milestone,” Governor Guico said. “This is the first time Pangasinan will operate and own this kind of advanced equipment. In the past, patients had to be referred elsewhere. Now, we have this right here.”
Vice Governor Lambino echoed the governor’s vision, saying, “Since 2022, the governor has shown direction and courage to make difficult but necessary changes. And now, in just three years, we’re seeing the results—especially in health, education, infrastructure, and social services.”
On the same day, the Mangatarem District Hospital also inaugurated its new diagnostic building.
“This is a historic first for us,” said Dr. Eusebio Sison, Chief of Hospital at Mangatarem District Hospital. “Thanks to the strong leadership of Governor Guico, big dreams are becoming reality here in Pangasinan.”
The facility houses modern equipment, including a 32-slice CT scan, a stationary and two portable X-ray machines, and ultrasound systems.
Local residents and healthcare workers expressed gratitude, saying the improvements will save them from having to seek medical services outside the province.
These initiatives form part of Governor Guico’s broader health agenda aimed at making Pangasinan one of the healthiest provinces in the country.
