RIMC receives bronchoscope from US-based Filipino doctor

DAGUPAN CITY — Christmas came early at the government-owned Region 1 Medical Center (RIMC)here after a Good Samaritan donated a bronchoscope from the US that will diagnose and treat indigent patients suffering from lung problems.

Dr. Pedro Dayrit, a US based doctor married to a Dagupeña, Dr. Elmina Margarita Fernandez, daughter of Immigration Commissioner Alipio Fernandez Jr., brought home with him the second-hand equipment estimated to cost about P500,000.

"God-sent. We’ve been dreaming to have one like this here," Dr. Jesus Canto, RIMC hospital director, said.

He said the 300-bed capacity hospital which sometimes has overflowing patients of about 350 is lucky because although it has three pulmonologists, it doesn’t have the necessary equipment like the bronchoscope.

Canto lauded Dayrit and his brother-in-law, Dagupan City Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez for recommending the RIMC as recipient of this surprise gift in time for Christmas.

The bronchoscope used to be only for the rich but with this donation, even the poor can avail of it free of charge now, Canto said.

Moreover, Canto said that he is happy the RIMC was recently adjudged by the Department of Health as one of the country’s top government-owned hospitals in terms of facilities and efficiency of service to the poor.

The other awardees are Lung Center, as well as the medical centers in Davao, Nueva Ecija and Iloilo. — Eva Visperas