Makati Life Medical Center spearheads technological revolution in Cancer Detection
Makati City has the distinction of being one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines. It is known for being the main financial district, a host for over 60 international embassies to the country, and home for proud Makatizens (Makati residents). But for Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay, the city’s greatest pride is its reputation for bringing first-class public service, particularly in education and health.
That is why the 48-year-old leader is among the proudest when Makati Life Medical Center recently signed a partnership agreement with United Imaging Healthcare and medical solutions firms Operista and Paeonmed Philippines for the acquisition of the uMI 550 Digital PET/CT (positron emission tomography/ computed tomography) system.
The uMI 550 is part of United Imaging’s all-digital PET/CT line of equipment. With the aid of artificial intelligence (AI), the machine is able to produce medical images with exceptional clarity and a larger field of view, facilitating a more accurate early detection of cancer. The images can also be generated in as fast as 8 minutes, making it significant in a field where even seconds count as the battle against cancer is usually time-sensitive.
“This remarkable machine marks a pivotal moment, our commitment to advancing healthcare and transforming the landscape of cancer diagnosis and treatment in Makati and eventually, the country,” said Makati Life Medical Center Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Dennis Sta. Ana.
Early detection and treatment
“The ability to detect cancer at its earliest stages empowers us to intervene with targeted terms, ultimately improving outcomes and saving lives. We are not just acquiring uMI 550, but also investing in our future, where cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and ultimately conquered,” he added.
During the partnership ceremony held at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City on April 26, 2024, Dr. Sta. Ana revealed that this milestone stems from Mayor Binay’s vision of pioneering in holistic cancer detection and treatment. “In 2021, Mayor Binay instructed me to implement her holistic healthcare vision on Preventive, Therapeutic, and Rehabilitative (PTR) Medicine,” he recalled, emphasizing that uMI 550 aligns with that goal.
“uMI 550 is not merely a piece of equipment; it represents hope, precision, and progress in the fight against cancer. Its state-of-the-art technology provides unparalleled clarity and accuracy in detecting and characterizing cancerous lesions and enabling our medical professionals to make informed decisions swiftly and effectively,” Dr. Sta. Ana emphasized.
Spirit of cooperation
In her speech during the partnership signing ceremony, Mayor Binay said she is looking forward to offering and providing the new revolutionary health service to Makatizens. She said the use of uMI 550 would be a welcome addition to the medical privileges of the city’s Yellow Card holders, who are now able to avail of first-grade 24/7 free health services in Ospital ng Makati, the city’s 26 barangay health centers, satellite laboratories, three birthing facilities, and now the newly opened primary care department of Makati Life Medical Center.
“All our healthcare services are conceived and achieved in the spirit of bayanihan, which is the Filipino brand of partnership and cooperation. Makati City is committed to building a robust healthcare infrastructure and to pursuing a proactive approach to public health. That’s why we enthusiastically welcome this groundbreaking equipment in the world of medical imaging, the uMI 550 from the United Imaging Healthcare, the very first in the Philippines,” Mayor Binay said, pointing out that uMI 550’s user-centric design is similar to Makati City’s healthcare system.
ADVT.
