The Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) has taken a significant step toward improving its healthcare services by investing P38 million in three new surgical machines. This major acquisition comes as the city-run hospital grapples with increasing patient numbers and aging medical equipment that have hampered its operations.
Addressing Critical Needs with Modern Equipment
On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Mayor Nestor Archival joined hospital officials to inspect the newly purchased units, which include advanced laparoscopic, mechanical, and anesthesia equipment. The mayor described this upgrade as necessary for CCMC as it expands its free surgical services for indigent patients across Cebu.
Hospital Administrator Kenneth Siasar revealed that the purchase was urgently needed due to the deteriorating condition of their existing anesthesia machine, which had shown signs of malfunction. This situation had raised serious concerns about both surgical safety and the hospital's capacity to handle its growing caseload effectively.
Challenges Remain Despite Equipment Upgrade
While celebrating this equipment acquisition, Siasar acknowledged that CCMC continues to face significant structural and operational challenges. The hospital building remains unfinished, with upper floors still under construction, and staffing limitations persist despite the new equipment.
Siasar emphasized the importance of communication, urging nurses to actively report any problems they encounter so that management can respond quickly and maintain service quality.
Enhanced Surgical Capabilities for Cebuano Patients
Chief Surgery Resident Dr. Stephanie Pangilinan explained how the new equipment will directly benefit patients. CCMC surgeons continue to perform free procedures for those who cannot afford care at private hospitals, with the new machines specifically helping handle the rising number of patients requiring gallbladder, hernia, breast, and appendectomy operations.
We encourage patients who need surgery but cannot afford to pay—CCMC will provide what we can, Dr. Pangilinan assured the public.
Commitment to Quality Healthcare and Future Plans
Medical Director Dr. Anton Oliver Reposar highlighted an important achievement: CCMC now uses the same level of medical equipment found in prestigious private hospitals like Chong Hua and Cebu Doctors. The crucial difference, he noted, is that CCMC patients receive this quality care without the financial burden from admission until discharge.
Mayor Archival reiterated the City's commitment to completing CCMC's construction, noting that P690 million previously approved under past administrations has been earmarked to complete floors 4 to 7. However, additional funds will still be needed to finish interior works and the roof deck before the facility can become fully operational.
The mayor also emphasized the City's aim to move toward a zero-billing system, aligning with national efforts to expand healthcare subsidies for poor families. Health services remain one of his administration's stated priorities, alongside education, traffic, flooding, and garbage management.
