High-tech machines set at Benguet General Hospital

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Benguet General Hospital (BeGh), here along km 5 Halsema Highway is on its way as world class hospital where advanced medical techno machine services, particularly for renal dialysis may now be availed of.

            The Computed Radiography (CR) and Computerized Tomography (CT) scan machines, worth P17 million will also be used as soon as its cable, which costs P1.3 million is purchased and installed. Said machines present cross-section images of the body, detect tumors and location of lesions which are not done by ultrasound and fluoroscopy machines.

The medical facilities were blessed and turned-over last week with former Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan, Dept. of Health Assistant Regional Director Amelita Pangilinan, newly-appointed BeGH head Dr. Maria Imelda Ulep, physicians Josefina Luspian and Gloria Molintas, along with other provincial officials.              

            Other machines; Mammogram machine, Portable X-ray machine and additional patient-transport vehicle are being awaited, it was known. Once these are in place, BeGH serves as complementary hospital as well as medical training facility for the Baguio-Benguet and neighboring areas.    

            These could hike up the hospital’s accreditation, presently now on level II.

            According to Dr. Ulep, a drug-test center is envisioned within the compound, as with a rehabilitation section and advanced microbiology facilities. An expansion of private wards which could increase the earning capacity of the hospital is also expected within the more than 32,000 sq. m. BeGh area, Ulep said.

            The then 50-bed hospital, established for general operation in 1971, is now a 150-bed economic enterprise hospital, Dr. Ulep said. The hospital’s mission includes quality, affordable and compassionated health service to the public.  The hospital is presently earning for its expenses, with a subsidy fund.