By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata
MANILA, Aug. 9 (PNA) — Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC), the first Filipino-owned hospital in United States (US) territory, officially opened last month. Majority owned and operated by The Medical City (TMC), GRMC is the latest addition to TMC’s growing network of hospitals and clinics.
More than 600 guests from Guam, across Micronesia and from the Philippines graced the opening of the 130-bed acute care facility, which was a USD 240 million investment by Philippine-based TMC.
TMC president and CEO Alfredo R.A. Bengzon and other members of TMC’s senior management, Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and Guam Governor Eddie Calvo were also present in the opening ceremony.
During his speech, Bengzon spoke about the perseverance and faith it took them to overcome obstacles and realize their dream to build the hospital located in Dededo, Guam. He likewise emphasized the commitment it represents to the people of Guam.
“GRMC is a gift of TMC and the Filipino people to the people of Guam. I encourage the residents of Guam to embrace TMC’s service philosophy of Patient Partnership, one that moved the patient from the periphery to center stage, defining for him a role as equal and empowered patient in the pursuit of his health,” he said.
GRMC CEO Margaret Bengzon, on the other hand, thanked all the people who worked hard to make the event possible.
“We must now look ahead and we need to get started on the real work, providing quality health care for the people of Guam,” she said.
Bordallo, meanwhile, noted the importance of having a new hospital in Guam, which, according to her, will save both the financial and emotional burden of having to seek off island medical care.
It was in 2010 that TMC announced that it would be part owner and full operator of the first private hospital in Guam. GRMC’s services will be aligned with TMC’s centers of excellence and the Region’s specific health profile, featuring wellness, cardiology, medical oncology, endocrinology, pulmonology, neurology and other medical and surgical subspecialties. (PNA)