THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) handed over ₱25.1 million worth of essential diagnostic equipment to the Naga City General Hospital on Thursday, alongside a commitment to assist the facility in achieving Level 2 accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH).
Turned over during the annual Peñafrancia Festival, the donation includes a digital stationary X-ray machine, an ultrasound system, and a 2D echocardiogram machine under the PCSO’s Medical Equipment Donation Program (MEDP).
These vital tools will streamline local diagnostic capabilities, allowing residents to receive high-level cardiovascular, internal, and radiologic assessments locally without paying for expensive private centers or traveling far.
Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo expressed profound gratitude to the agency, highlighting PCSO’s reputation as a dependable “last line of defense” for families overwhelmed by mounting healthcare costs.
“We are beyond grateful, not just for these donations, but for what PCSO has been doing for our countrymen,” Robredo said.
She underscored the agency’s political neutrality in dispensing aid and noted that the new equipment ultimately restores dignity and peace of mind to patients.
“We can now respond faster and care for more patients so they no longer need to seek care in private hospitals,” added Robredo.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles reaffirmed the agency’s mission to channel gaming revenues back into direct social services, directly citing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s mandate to bring quality healthcare closer to the public.
Beyond the initial equipment delivery, members of the PCSO Board inspected the hospital’s intensive care unit facilities to evaluate further resource needs.
The Board pledged immediate support to cover the remaining hardware required for DOH Level 2 accreditation.
Once achieved, the upgraded status will empower Naga City General Hospital to expand its clinical services and accommodate patients needing specialized medical care.
