MANILA, Philippines – Residents of Pampanga and neighboring Luzon provinces no longer need to travel far for orthopedic and trauma surgeries with the opening of the new Center for Orthopedics and Trauma Care at the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH) in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Tuesday, July 9, led the inauguration of what he called the “most modern” orthopedic and trauma facility outside Metro Manila — boasting six operating rooms, two of which are equipped with surgical robots, and a full roster of medical specialists and state-of-the-art equipment.
JBLMGH Medical Director Dr. Monserrat Chichioco said the new center is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s initiative to expand specialty healthcare in the regions. Funding came from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), while the 2.5-hectare land was provided by the Pampanga provincial government.
Patients admitted under basic accommodations are covered by the no balance billing policy, ensuring zero out-of-pocket expenses for eligible cases.
In a light but firm reminder, officials also urged the public to wear helmets, use seatbelts, and obey traffic rules to avoid injuries that require trauma care.