BALANGA CITY – The provincial government of Bataan convened with representatives of the Swedish Embassy in the Philippines and Business Sweden to explore ways to enhance cancer care services in the province.
The meeting was held as part of the strategic health cooperation between Sweden and the Philippines, formalized through a Letter of Intent signed in October 2024.
The agreement designated Bataan as the pilot province for cancer control initiatives under the partnership.
Discussions focused on modern technologies for early cancer detection and treatment, mobile diagnostic services, and capacity-building programs for healthcare workers at the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center and the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services center in Pilar.
Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III said the collaboration aims to bring cancer care services closer to communities through mobile diagnostic units equipped with tools such as mammography and X-ray machines.
“This initiative is part of a broader agreement I signed with representatives of the Swedish government last year to strengthen our health cooperation,” Garcia explained.
He added that these mobile units would remove the need for patients to travel long distances for initial check-ups and follow-up consultations.
These initiatives support the goals of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, which promotes a more efficient, accessible, and equitable cancer care system in the country. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)