Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has pledged to strengthen the provincial government’s partnership with private hospitals as part of efforts to improve healthcare services and expand access to quality medical care for Cebuanos.

Baricuatro made the commitment on Monday, August 10, during the opening of Medical Ancillary Services Week at Chong Hua Hospital in Mandaue City, where she highlighted the vital role of medical support teams in delivering safe, timely, and effective patient care.

“Medical Ancillary Services are not simply support services. You are essential partners in healthcare, helping make timely, safe, and effective treatment possible,” Baricuatro said.

The governor said stronger collaboration between the public and private healthcare sectors can help improve the province’s healthcare system, particularly through knowledge-sharing, training, and capacity-building initiatives.

Healthcare remains one of the key priorities of the Baricuatro administration, with the provincial government continuing to upgrade equipment and improve medical services in its 16 Capitol-run hospitals.

Chong Hua cited as key healthcare partner

Baricuatro recognized Chong Hua Hospital as an important partner in the provincial government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare services in Cebu.

She cited existing and potential areas of collaboration, including healthcare leadership development, continuing education, clinical immersion, and workforce capacity-building.

“Through healthcare leadership development, continuing education, clinical immersion, and workforce capacity-building, we can strengthen our healthcare professionals and, ultimately, improve the quality of care available to Cebuanos,” she said.

The governor also emphasized that medical ancillary professionals play an essential role in the healthcare system despite often working behind the scenes.

“When we think of healthcare, we often remember the doctor who treated us, the nurse who cared for us, or the operation that saved a life. But behind every diagnosis, treatment, and recovery is an entire team working with precision and dedication,” she said.

Medical ancillary services support different stages of patient care, from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and wellness.

Medical ancillary services highlighted

This year’s Medical Ancillary Services Week carries the theme “Innovate. Integrate. Inspire. Move MAS 4WARD.”

The observance highlights the contributions of professionals working in various medical support fields, including food and nutrition, ambulatory care, cancer services, pharmacy, radiology, laboratory services, health and wellness, cardiology, and pulmonary care.

The celebration also serves as a platform to recognize the importance of innovation, integration, and professional development in strengthening healthcare delivery.

Joining Gov. Baricuatro at the opening were Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan and Provincial Health Board Secretariat and moderator Dr. Miguel Rebalde.

They were welcomed by Chong Hua Hospital officials and doctors led by Chief Operations Officer Dr. Joanne Cosin.

The provincial government’s strengthened collaboration with private healthcare institutions is expected to complement ongoing investments in its public hospitals and help develop a more connected, capable, and responsive healthcare system for Cebuanos.

(Capitol PIO, Photos by ARJ)