The Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center in Baguio City recently opened its cancer facility. This came to reality through the effort of cancer specialist Dr. Jasmin Igama, head of the BGHMC Cancer Institute. Also, the BGHMC pediatrics ward has just become more kid friendly, thanks to ten artists who wanted to give back to the community through donating their children themed paintings.
BGHMC Cancer Facility open, a study submitted to then DILG Secretary Jessie Robredo
A report by the Baguio Midland Courier reveals that Dr. Jasmin Igama and the Baguio media submitted a feasibility report to then-Secretary Jessie Robredo of the Department of Interior Local Government. The cobalt radiation facility shut down for years now which caused patients to go as far as Dagupan and Manila for therapy. Thus came the feasibility study initiated by Dr. Igama.
The study reached Secretary Robredo when he was about to have coffee at the Baguio Country Club after speaking at the Igorot Global Organization convention. The report says Robredo referred the study to the Department of Health and even gave updates to BGHMC.
Dr. Igama says, “I remember handing to the late Secretary a feasibility study and a few days after, I was surprised that BGHMC was again included in the list of hospitals in the country where a cancer institute will be established. I believe he called up then (Health) Secretary (Enrique) Ona about this.”
Dr. Igama thinks the realization of the feasibility study was because of the report that Robredo turned in to DOH. According to the report, the BGHMC cancer facility will be equipped with a brachytherapy unit. The facility had its soft opening on April 11.
BGHMC Pedia ward, Now a colorful kid-friendly ward
BGHMC did not just open a cancer facility. Thanks to ten artists in Baguio City who wanted to give back to the community, the pedia ward is now a colorful, kid-friendly ward with children themed paintings that would aid in the recovery of patients.
On Wednesday, these ten artists donated these paintings as part of their outreach program. These artists include Rochelle Apaling, Heriminio Bruno, Ma. Carmina Bruno, Kizel Cotiw-an, Raquel Diokno, Roland Dulay, Mhargrette Gomez, Mark Justine Hamada, Samantha Jean Hamada, and Faith Munoz. A report by the Baguio Midland Courier says they were with the BGH Advisory Board, Fernando and Rosa Bautista Foundation, and the Baguio Museum Inc. during the turnover.
In a report by the Medical Express, Upali Nanda, Vice President and director of research for American Art Resources in Houston says scientific studies show art can help patients in the recovery of patients, shorten hospital stays, and help manage pain. Nanda has a doctorate in architecture who specializes in health-care system designs. She says that art is helpful given the images are pleasant. Nanda says abstract art allows patients to project their own anxieties onto the image. Thus, pictures that clearly portray pleasant images are more soothing.