The Davao del Sur Provincial Government has significantly upgraded its public medical services with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art diagnostic machine for its provincial hospital.
A Milestone for Provincial Healthcare
On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, provincial leaders formally turned over a 64-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scan machine with cardiac application to the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital (DSPH). The ceremony was led by Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas and Vice Governor Marc Cagas.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Jonna Masongsong highlighted the importance of the new equipment, noting it is the only CT scanner of its kind currently available in the entire province. This marks a pivotal upgrade to the region's medical infrastructure.
Enhanced Diagnostic Capabilities for Patients
The advanced scanner is set to transform diagnosis and treatment, particularly for critical cases. Health officials explained that the machine will greatly enhance the hospital's capacity to handle cardiac, neurological, trauma, and emergency cases, where rapid and accurate imaging is crucial for saving lives.
A 64-slice CT scanner is renowned for producing high-resolution, detailed images of internal organs, blood vessels, and bones within seconds. This technology is vital for detecting conditions like heart disease, stroke, internal bleeding, tumors, and complex injuries, often making invasive diagnostic procedures unnecessary.
For heart patients specifically, the machine's specialized application allows doctors to examine coronary arteries and heart function with precision—a service typically found only in larger private hospitals or tertiary centers.
Immediate Impact on Patient Care
The benefits of this investment are already being felt. Hospital Chief Dr. Jaime Marcelo Razo reported that the CT scanner became operational on January 5, 2026, and has already served around 50 patients.
"For now, priority for CT scanning is being given to admitted DSPH patients who require the procedure," Dr. Razo stated. Having this technology in-house drastically cuts diagnosis time, improves treatment outcomes, and reduces the financial and logistical burden on patients who previously had to seek services in private clinics or hospitals outside Davao del Sur.
More Than Just a Machine: Comprehensive Facility Upgrades
The CT scanner turnover was part of a broader initiative to improve DSPH. Provincial officials also inaugurated newly renovated pharmacy and laboratory facilities within the hospital during the same event.
These upgrades are designed to streamline patient care and bolster essential support services. Modern laboratories are critical for accurate diagnosis and monitoring, while improved pharmacy facilities ensure safer medication storage, faster dispensing, and better inventory management.
Governor Cagas framed these developments as part of the province's steadfast commitment to public service. "I hope that these developments at DSPH would bring satisfaction and pride to the people of Davao del Sur and Digos City, rather than criticism on social media," the Governor remarked.
A Step Toward Equitable Healthcare Access
Public health experts consistently advocate for such investments in government hospitals as a cornerstone of equitable healthcare. This is especially true for low-income and rural communities. The World Health Organization identifies access to diagnostic imaging as a key component of effective health systems, particularly in combating leading causes of death like cardiovascular disease and trauma.
With heart disease and stroke among the top killers in the Philippines, the presence of this advanced imaging tool at DSPH is expected to facilitate early detection and timely intervention, ultimately saving lives within the community.
The turnover ceremony demonstrated strong local government support, with attendance from members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, including Board Members Rey Ayo, Rey Aballe, Shiela Cagas, Carmelo delos Cientos III, and Kyra Valentin.
