Opening Doors to Affordable Diagnostics: Cardinal Santos Offers Significant Discount on Lab Procedures During Sundays and Holidays!

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Cardinal Santos Medical Center is starting off the month of July by offering a 30% discount on all laboratory procedures conducted on Sundays and holidays. The hospital builds on its commitment to people-centered care by announcing this new initiative to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for the community.

Recognizing the importance of timely and accurate diagnostics in patient care, Cardinal Santos aims to remove barriers that may hinder individuals from seeking necessary medical tests. By introducing this discounted pricing structure, the hospital aims to encourage patients to prioritize their health and undergo essential laboratory procedures without financial constraints.

Dr. Zenaida M. Javier-Uy, SVP & Chief Medical Officer at Cardinal Santos, highlighted the significance of this initiative, saying, "We firmly believe that healthcare should be accessible to all. By providing a substantial discount on laboratory procedures during Sundays and holidays, we hope to encourage members of our community to prioritize their well-being and take proactive steps towards their healthcare needs."

The 30% discount will apply to a comprehensive range of routine laboratory procedures, including but not limited to blood tests, urine analysis, and other chemistry services. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology and a team of skilled professionals, Cardinal Santos Hospital ensures accurate and reliable results for its patients.

Patients and community members interested in availing themselves of this exclusive discount can simply visit the Cardinal Santos laboratory department during Sundays and holidays. The hospital's compassionate staff will be readily available to assist patients throughout the process and answer any queries they may have.

This offer underscores Cardinal Santos Hospital's unwavering commitment to fostering a healthier community by making healthcare accessible and affordable for all. This is evidenced by its achievement of being the First Hospital in Asia to receive the People-Centered Care Commitment Award from Accreditation Canada earlier this year, to go along with its Platinum Accreditation.

This offer is valid until further notice. Terms and conditions apply. For the complete list of discounted laboratory services and more information about the other programs and services that CSMC offers, please visit https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/. CSMC is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos.

CSMC President honored with the Accountancy Centenary Award for Excellence

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Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) President and CEO Raul C. Pagdanganan was recently honored with the Accountancy Centenary Award for Excellence by the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy (BOA). The conferment was held at the Manila Hotel on March 17, Friday, in celebration of 100 years of the Accountancy Act of 1923 in the Philippines.

Raul C. Pagdanganan,  Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) President and CEO 

Following the theme “Celebrating the Past, Transforming the Present, Shaping the Future,” the Accountancy Centenary Award was given to 100 of the most excellent certified public accountants (CPA) in the country who ‘demonstrated untarnished integrity and reputation’ and ‘have contributed immensely in the advancement of accountancy profession and national development’.

Pagdanganan finished his Business Administration and Accountancy degree at the University of the Philippines (UP) in 1981 and passed his board exam as part of the top 20 successful takers. He was appointed to the UP Board of Regents 40 years later, in July 2021.

Pagdanganan has accumulated 25 years of experience as a senior finance executive and member of management in different companies, joining CSMC as its President and CEO in September 2020. During this period, he has helped bolster CSMC’s reputation as one of the Philippines’ leading hospitals in the fields of Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology and more, with his efforts commended on numerous prestigious platforms; Pagdanganan’s most recent recognition prior to the Accountancy Centenary Award was the Dangal ng Lipi Award for Health, the highest award given by the provincial government of Bulacan, presented to him in September 2022.

“I’m humbled and greatly appreciative of this recognition given to me by my esteemed colleagues in the field of Accountancy,” said Pagdanganan. “I’m also grateful to the people and businesses who trusted me over the years, especially my Cardinal Santos family. I would not be where I am today without their support.”

For more information about the programs and services that CSMC offers, please visit https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/. CSMC is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos.

CSMC partners with OCTA and Go Negosyo for webicon on PH’s COVID-19 exit strategy

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Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC), together with the OCTA Research Group and GO Negosyo, recently facilitated a relevant and pressing discussion on the country’s progress through the COVID-19 pandemic in its latest webicon entitled “COVID-19: From Pandemic to Endemic". The webicon was held via Zoom and Facebook Livestream last July 28, Thursday.

Present as speakers were OCTA Research fellows Prof. Ranjit Singh Rye and Dr. Guido David, GO Negosyo Founder Mr. Jose Maria “Joey” Concepcion, National Task Force Against COVID-19 Special Adviser Dr. Teodoro “Teddy” Herbosa, Health Reform Advocate Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leachon, and Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Rontgene Solante. CSMC’s very own Dr. Paul Salandanan joined in as a reactor, and the event was facilitated by CSMC’s Vice President and Head of Human Resources, Ms. Lucky Diaz-Tiozon.

The webicon opened with a discussion from Rye and Concepcion, taking points from the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) given by Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Rye and Concepcion talked about what strategies will help the country move forward from an economic standpoint, and how clear, effective, and relevant policies can mitigate COVID-19 and sustain economic recovery.

David presented a scientific, research-based analysis on recent COVID-19 trends, comparing the Philippines’ current COVID-related statistics to numbers during previous surges. Solante, on the other hand, provided a look into the various strains of the virus, what differentiates them from each other, and the on-ground experiences of clinicians in handling it.

Herbosa touched on the challenges faced by various sectors because of the pandemic, and gave his recommendations on potential exit strategies that can be explored in order to better prepare for potential threats in the future. Leachon followed this up by tackling what measures ought to be observed in order to move forward from the pandemic, while Salandanan offered his own insights as CSMC’s resident Infectious Disease Specialist.

The webicon was concluded through an open forum session with all the panelists and speakers, where they stamped out any misconceptions regarding vaccines and COVID-19 testing, and stressed the importance of working together in safeguarding the health and well-being of the Filipino people.

“What is important is capacity building,” said Herbosa. “We need to build up our capacity in terms of policy formulations in vaccines, emergencies and pandemics.”

“As we move from pandemic to endemic, one of the key elements of any national exit strategy [is to] really ensure access to quality testing,” added Rye. “Apart from expanding treatment facilities [and making them accessible], we really need to deal with testing. The state has to [find ways to] provide quality antigen testing and [improve the] reporting of these results.”

“Getting the first and second booster will protect our healthcare utilization because we are [preventing] people [from] developing the more severe form of COVID, especially if [they] have comorbidities,” said Solante.

“The way forward is really informing our public more so that [they] can make better decisions. It is important for us to come up with a holistic and comprehensive plan for everything, whether it is expanded testing and treatment, information campaigns, [or] even just sustaining our booster and vaccine programs,” stressed Rye. “We need to come up with a comprehensive national COVID strategy. That is the challenge for this new administration.”

For more information about the programs and services that CSMC offers, please visit https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/. CSMC is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos.

CSMC unveils upgraded facilities and newly-renovated Centers for Medicine

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Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) continues to make their world-class standard of healthcare more accessible through the renovation of its facilities in recent months. The institution opened the Center for Thoracic and Critical Care Medicine last April, while the Professor Sol V. Alvarez Center for Digestive Diseases and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy was unveiled in June.

The Center for Thoracic and Critical Care Medicine aims to provide patients who experience pulmonary diseases with comprehensive, state-of-the-art medical services. The opening ceremony was attended by the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Bong Go, who commended the enhancement of CSMC’s facilities. The senator also stated that the efforts are in line with the government’s goal of building more health facilities and improving existing ones.

Meanwhile, the Prof. Sol V. Alvarez Center for Digestive Diseases and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy was named in honor of the pioneering doctor who established the very first endoscopy unit in the country in 1974 within CSMC. CSMC’s endoscopy unit is one of the premier gastroenterology facilities in the Philippines, and is home to some of the best physicians in the field.

CSMC’s goal has always been to nurture its legacy of Caring Cardinal service, and uphold its mission of saving lives by being up-to-date with industry innovations and advancements.

“Cardinal Santos Medical Center is steeped in a rich tradition of excellence in clinical care,” said CSMC President and CEO Raul C. Pagdanganan during the Prof. Sol V. Alvarez Center for Digestive Diseases and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy inauguration. “[The new facilities are] designed with the needs of the patients in mind, [and] is another testimony to CSMC’s dedication to delivering high-quality standards of care for our patients and the communities we serve.”

For more information about the programs and services that CSMC offers, please visit https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/. CSMC is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos.

CSMC advocates for holistic brain and spine tumor management in latest webicon

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Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) zeroes in on brain and spine tumors in its latest webicon entitled, “It Takes A Village to Save A Life: A Webicon on the Multidisciplinary Approach to Brain and Spine Tumor Management.” The webicon was held on February 24 via ZOOM and Facebook live streaming.

Together with its top medical experts from the Brain and Spine Institute, CSMC debunked common myths about brain and spine tumors and discussed the different types of treatments and ways to provide the best, most holistic care to a patient. The webicon was moderated by Dr. Michael Louis Gimenez, Chair of the Brain and Spine Institute, and the specialists invited to speak were Dr. Theodor Vesagas, Clinical Director of the Philippine Gamma Knife Center and CSMC Brain and Spine Tumor Center; Dr. Gilbert Rañoa, Training Officer of the CSMC Spine Fellowship Program; and Dr. Ma. Luisa Abesamis-Tiambeng, Chair of the Cancer Institute.

Dr. Gimenez opened the webicon by touching on the different signs and symptoms of brain or spine tumors. Meanwhile, Dr. Vesagas explained the benefits of CSMC’s multidisciplinary approach to treating tumors. He noted that a team effort in diagnosis and treatment allows patients to receive consistent and timely care, and increases patient satisfaction.

Dr. Vesagas also talked about Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, a procedure that is only currently available at CSMC. The goal of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is to control or stop the growth of the tumor, and allows for excellent control in the removal of tumors with minimal morbidity.

Dr. Rañoa then elaborated on other innovative open surgery treatment options that CSMC offers, such as Stereotactic Biopsy, where neurosurgeons use a needle to obtain tissue from the brain, as well as Awake Craniotomy, which can only be done if an intraoperative neurostimulator is available, and is used to remove tumors in more critical parts of the brain.

Finally, Dr. Tiambeng spoke about non-surgical tumor management and wrapped up the team’s discussion with some reminders and practical tips to follow for when one schedules a checkup for possible tumors.

Mr. Rodel Perez, a 45-year-old OFW based in Dubai and one of CSMC’s patients, was also present as a speaker. Perez recounted his experience after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, which was about the size of a medium-sized lemon. He noted CSMC’s world-class methods and facilities, praising the compassionate care and sincerity the doctors and nurses of CSMC had towards him during his treatment.

The webicon was concluded with the standard Q&A session with all the panelists, where Dr. Tiambeng stamped out the misconception that these treatments are available only to those who are well-off.

“The Philippine Alliance for Brain and Spine Tumors [is a] foundation [that] is helping and has helped hundreds of patients get free treatments,” she said. “There is also Cardinal Charities Foundations, which helps indigent patients get big discounts or even free procedures.”

When asked how they could encourage Filipinos to seek medical advice over checking their symptoms on the internet, Dr. Tiambeng said, “The internet cannot treat you—Google cannot treat you— it can only give you information.” Despite being a powerful tool in gathering information, a specialist’s intervention is still essential in treating any illness.

“Always remember that here at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, you have a village of medical experts working hand in hand to save lives,” Dr. Gimenez concluded.

For more information about the Brain and Spine Institute, as well as other services that CSMC offers, please visit https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/. CSMC is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos.

CSMC’s Hospital on Wheels makes quality healthcare accessible to every Filipino family

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Due to the rise of the new Omicron variant and an influx of COVID-19 cases in the country, Filipinos are once again confined to their homes, either due to implementations by their local government units, or self-imposing these measures just to keep safe. This means that certain medical tests and procedures have gone back to being remotely accessed.

Fortunately, Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) is prepared for such a situation. Continuing with their quality and patient-centered services, the institution expanded its mobile clinic program with their latest healthcare innovation, Hospital on Wheels.

Taking its cue from its predecessor, the Cardinal on Wheels, the Hospital on Wheels is a larger, 32-foot, ten-wheeler mobile clinic, and is fully equipped to accommodate a variety of hospital services like laboratory tests such as Urinalysis, Fecalysis, and Complete Blood Count among others, and is capable of specialized tests like ECG, Ultrasound, and 2D-Echo. Finally, CSMC’s top medical professionals and staff can also conduct consultations.

While the initial program was developed out of CSMC’s desire to meet the medical needs of the community and reach as many patients who need medical care, the Hospital on Wheels takes it one step further by bringing it to corporate partners, small to medium enterprises, private villages and condominiums.

Such an effort was acknowledged and even praised by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr., emphasizing during the launch last December how the program benefits the community and helps the government in curbing the pandemic’s effects.

For more information about CSMC’s Hospital on Wheels, please call 0928-5543217 or 8724-4115. CSMC is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos.

CSMC promotes financial wellness as part of overall health in latest webicon

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After successfully producing webicons related to its flagship services throughout the year, Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) continues to educate the general public about the importance of health and wellness, including financial stability. With this, CSMC taps into the financial aspect of overall human wellness with “First Things First: Achieving Financial Security by Doing the Right Things”, their newest webicon held on November 17 via ZOOM.

Part of CSMC’s advocacy is to promote a holistic approach to health and wellness, including being financially healthy. The webicon was intended to help CSMC’s audience properly manage finances, especially now during the Christmas season, and find the right plans to avoid suffering from financial stress, as well as securing their health in the future.

CSMC partnered with AIA Philippines and Manulife Group for this webicon and invited AIA Unit Manager Isis Clariz Huang and Manulife Senior Assistant Vice President of Wealth Sales Div Vitancor to talk about financial wellness and how it relates to an individual’s health, and various insurance plans and programs to ensure that one’s physical and financial health is always protected.

Huang opened the webicon with a talk on how to assess one’s overall health and fitness, introducing AIA's science-backed wellness program called AIA Vitality. The program aims to reward users for taking the appropriate steps towards living a healthier life. While the app provides vitality reviews and health checks, Huang also encouraged the audience to find even more personal health and fitness assessments, like getting an e-consultation at CSMC. Huang also shared some of AIA’s vitality insurance plans under the program.

“Being healthy is your number one reward,” Huang said. “With AIA Vitality, you get the best value for your insurance. You have control over the benefits you can enjoy, and we reward you for the little wins so you can live healthier, longer and better lives.”

Vitancor, on the other hand, discussed Adulting, Manulife’s own program when it comes to financial wellness.

“Adulting is the practice of behaving responsibly as adults,” Vitancor shared. “When we say ‘being responsible adults’, there is an expectation that we are doing well with our finances, that we are able to manage our finances.”

Vitancor introduced Manulife’s Unit Investment Trust Fund, encouraging the audience to learn more about the fund and become investors if their objective is to grow their money under a fund managed by professional and highly-trained financial specialists.

Vitancor also stressed the importance of pinpointing the reason why one needs to save or invest and understanding the difference between the two. “When you come to us at Manulife and avail of our services, you come to invest, not to save. We have an array of funds to choose from, and we will recommend to you an ideal fund based on your risk profile.”

A Q&A portion for Huang and Vitancor followed after their talks, and both financial specialists addressed important investment and insurance questions, and emphasized certain points made throughout the webicon.

“Take advantage of your good health,” Huang concluded. “You don’t know for how long you will be in that condition. The earlier that you invest and the earlier that you are able to save your money, the more chances and the more opportunities you have that your money will multiply.”

CSMC plans to produce other webicons related to the other advocacies that it champions such as health and wellbeing and inclusivity, in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.

For more information about CSMC’s holistic health programs, as well as other services the hospital offers, please visit https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/. CSMC is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos.