June 16, 2023
Tzu Chi, Chinese General Hospital sign MOA for charity, medical services
By Ben Baquilod
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines and the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 14 to extend medical assistance to Tzu Chi’s charity beneficiaries.
The inking of MOA signifies a stronger collaboration between the two institutions that have been working together for nearly 30 years, providing accessible and quality medical services to underprivileged Filipinos.
Since its establishment in 1994, Tzu Chi has relied on doctors from CGHMC to provide medical expertise to its charity beneficiaries and treat various respiratory, orthopedic, cardiovascular, and oncological cases. The earliest project of Tzu Chi Philippines, a quarterly medical mission, was made possible through the dedication of volunteer doctors and nurses from CGHMC. This mission has reached countless patients from remote and underserved parts of the country, from Aparri in the north to Zamboanga in the south.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cooperation between the two institutions was further strengthened when Tzu Chi donated PPEs and meals to CGHMC’s doctors. Tzu Chi also provided several High Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Machines and a Hyper Light Disinfection Robot to assist the hospital in its fight against the virus.
Over the past two years, two Tzu Chi beneficiaries requiring angioplasty received treatment, free of charge for the professional fees, through the expertise of Dr. Kent Tan, an interventional cardiologist at CGHMC.
With the signing of the MOA, more Tzu chi patient-beneficiaries will have the opportunity to avail themselves of angiogram and angioplasty procedures with a discounted cost on hospital bill. Tzu Chi will benefit from a special discount on room occupancy, as well as laboratory, pulmonary, and x-ray services.
“I am very humbled and honored to be in a position where I can help our less privileged brothers and sisters,” said Dr. Kent Tan who graced the event.
“These procedures are truly life-saving, especially for the breadwinners of the family,” said Dr. Samuel Ang, Medical Director of CGHMC, who has witnessed the almost 30-year partnership between the two institutions. “In the 1990s, we performed numerous charity general surgeries,” Dr. Ang recalls. “And now, we are very excited about this new effort by Tzu Chi because it addresses a more relevant aspect of charity today.”
According to a January 2023 report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in the Philippines in 2022.
“If we perform angioplasty and save the heart, the patient will have a long and productive life. The patient’s ability to work will be very helpful in contributing to the society,” added Dr. Ang.
“With the signing of this MOA, our partnership is solidified,” said Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez. “As we move forward, we shall continue to work as one to alleviate suffering with compassion for the benefit of our community.”
Tzu Chi Philippines and the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center sign a Memorandum of Agreement on June 14 to extend medical assistance to Tzu Chi’s charity beneficiaries. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
The MOA signing is led by Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (center) and Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) Chairman of the Board Mr. Antonio Tan (rightmost) and Executive Vice President and COO Mr. Kelly Sia. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) Chairman of the Board Mr. Antonio Tan gives his remarks during the MOA signing. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
“As we move forward, we shall continue to work as one to relieve suffering with compassion for the benefit of our community,” says Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
“I am very humbled and honored in this position to be able to help our less privileged brothers and sisters,” says interventional cardiologist Dr. Kent Tan. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
![“These kinds of procedures [angiogram and angioplasty] are really life-saving, especially for the breadwinners of the family,” says Dr. Samuel Ang, Medical Director of the Chinese General Hospital. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】](/assets/news-page/images/dr.-samuel-ang.jpg)
“These kinds of procedures [angiogram and angioplasty] are really life-saving, especially for the breadwinners of the family,” says Dr. Samuel Ang, Medical Director of the Chinese General Hospital. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Key executive officials pose for a group photo after the MOA signing between Tzu Chi Philippines and the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Key executive officials pose for a group photo after the MOA signing between Tzu Chi Philippines and the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】