By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Seven Manila residents have undergone free angioplasty at Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC) since the city opened its Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory a year ago, with one procedure costing nearly ₱1 million in a private hospital but nothing for the patient.
The milestone was announced Thursday, September 10, as OMMC marked the first anniversary of the cardiac facility, which began operations on September 8, 2025.
The laboratory has so far performed seven angioplasties and 56 angiograms, providing qualified patients access to specialized cardiovascular procedures through the city-run hospital without out-of-pocket payment.
The seventh angioplasty was completed on a 70-year-old male patient from Manila, according to Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso.
Domagoso said the procedure would have cost approximately ₱975,000 if performed at a private hospital. He added that angioplasty in private facilities can cost between ₱800,000 and ₱1.5 million.
“Magkano po binayaran ng pasyente natin ngayon? Zero. Literally zero. Walang binayaran. Salamat sa taxpayers ng siyudad,” Domagoso said.
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to reopen narrowed or blocked arteries supplying blood to the heart. It is performed through a catheter rather than open-heart surgery and generally allows patients to recover more quickly.
Domagoso said the free service will continue for qualified patients at OMMC.
“Wala pong bayad ang angioplasty sa ating pampublikong ospital, at tuloy-tuloy po ’yan,” he said.
The Manila government has also set aside nearly ₱25 million in standby funds for the purchase and maintenance of equipment needed to sustain the cardiac program, according to the mayor.
Domagoso credited the medical personnel behind the procedures, led by Manila City Health Officer Dr. Grace Padilla, along with the hospital’s interventional cardiologists, anesthesiologists, nurses and radiologic technologists.
The first-year record gives OMMC an expanded role in providing advanced cardiac care through Manila’s public health system, with the latest angioplasty adding to a growing list of procedures delivered at no cost to qualified city residents.
ia/xf
