UERM Medical Center opens new center-owned CT-MRI facilities to address rising stroke cases
for UERM Medical Center
Continuing its legacy of providing innovative care in the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines — With the recent report of increase in stroke cases observed after this holiday season by the Department of Health (DOH)1, UERM Medical Center takes a groundbreaking step in enhancing stroke diagnosis and treatment by launching its new CT-MRI facilities.
Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in the country2. As the first hospital to house and acquire CT Scan, UERM Medical Center’s new-center owned Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facilities are set to play a vital role in ensuring faster, more accurate diagnosis, which is crucial in improving outcomes for stroke patients.
"Time is of the essence in stroke care. The new CT-MRI facility will enable us to provide rapid and precise imaging, ensuring patients receive timely interventions that can significantly enhance recovery and survival rates. This aligns perfectly with our institution’s role as an Acute Stroke-ready Hospital, certified by the Stroke Society of the Philippines, and one among 813 hospitals with this designation,” said Dr. Maribeth de los Santos, vice president for hospital services and chief medical officer.
Enhancing patient experience through personalized diagnostic care
Undergoing imaging procedures can be overwhelming, especially for first-timer patients or young individuals. Recognizing this, UERM Medical Center offers a unique patient-centered approach by allowing patients to listen to their favorite music during scans, helping them stay relaxed and comfortable.
“In establishing our own imaging facilities, we wanted to elevate our standard of care. Our healthcare professionals ensure the procedures go smoothly while incorporating music to create a calming environment. Music has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, and we believe this simple yet thoughtful addition will enhance the overall patient experience,” Dr. Norbert Lingling Uy, president and chief academic officer of UERM Medical Center, expressed.
Comprehensive overview of CT scan
CT scans are widely regarded as a safe and efficient diagnostic tool. The procedure is non-invasive, minimizing the risk of complications and the radiation dose is carefully regulated to ensure patient safety.
- Cranial CT Scans: Essential in detecting brain hemorrhages, suspected strokes, tumors and abnormalities, CT angiography aids in planning interventions such as stenting.
- Chest CT Scans: Used for detecting lung nodules, fibrosis, infections and assessing calcium deposits in coronary arteries.
- Trauma CT Scans: Helps in evaluating fractures, collapsed lungs and other trauma-related conditions.
- Abdominal and Pelvic CT Scans: Effective in diagnosing liver injuries, appendicitis, tumors and vascular conditions. Also used for colorectal cancer screening and work-up of stone in the urinary tract or blood in the urine.
- Skeletal CT Scans: Provides valuable insights for assessing degenerative diseases, joint disorders, bone tumors and aiding in surgical planning.
- Minimally Invasive CT-guided Interventional Procedures: These include biopsies, fluid drainage, vertebroplasty, medication delivery and tumor localization among others for precise treatment.
Comprehensive overview of CT scan
Investing in MRI technology underscores UERM Medical Center’s commitment to delivering expert care though advanced imaging solutions.
“MRI remains unparalleled in diagnostic accuracy. It is safe, non-invasive, and plays a crucial role in both early detection and complex surgical planning. This investment is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care,” Uy added.
MRI technology enables the diagnosis and management of various neurological, vascular and systemic conditions, including:
Neurological Conditions: Used for detecting causes of dementia, brain tumors, seizures and epilepsy. It also aids in diagnosing aneurysms and venous thrombosis.
- Abdominal Imaging: Helps in identifying tumors, infections, infections, and unexplained weight loss and bloating, among others. Also used for MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) to evaluate gallstones, pancreatitis and other hepatobiliary conditions.
- Chest MRI: Provides detailed imaging of the lungs, heart, blood vessels and surrounding structures.
- Head and Neck MRI: Essential in assessing conditions affecting the brain, eye sockets, salivary glands and throat.
- Musculoskeletal MRI: Crucial in diagnosing injuries, inflammatory disorders, and conditions such as arthritis and herniated discs.
“With these advanced imaging technologies, targeted scans take only minutes, while whole-body evaluations can be completed efficiently. This ensures quicker diagnoses, allowing healthcare professionals to make well-informed decisions for optimal patient management,” concluded De los Santos.
Strengthening UERM’s commitment to excellence in patient care
The integration of CT and MRI technologies reinforces UERM Medical Center’s mission of delivering world-class healthcare. By providing cutting-edge diagnostic solutions, the hospital ensures early stroke detection and comprehensive imaging for other critical conditions, furthering its role as a leader in patient-centered medical innovation.
UERM Medical Center invites patients and healthcare professionals alike to take advantage of these state-of-the-art facilities and join in the shared mission of improving health outcomes nationwide.
For more information, please visit https://www.uerm.edu.ph/
1 GMA News Online. Stroke Cases hit over 300 this holiday season – DOH. January 2, 2025. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/931641/stroke-cases-hit-over-300-this-holiday-season-doh/story/
2 World Health Organization. (2023). Philippines. WHO Data. Retrieved from https://data.who.int/countries/608
Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by UERM Medical Center. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.
