MOU forged to boost liver cancer care

A memorandum of understanding was forged between the City Government of Baguio and three health organizations aimed at improving liver cancer care in the city.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed the MOU on behalf of the city with the representatives of the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc. (PCS), the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), and Roche (Philippines) Inc.

Dubbed as “2010 Mission Leapfrog Philippines” (MLP), the partnership aims to introduce innovative systems and tools to enhance access to quality healthcare for liver cancer patients.

The MLP will begin with a comprehensive assessment of the burden of liver disease and liver cancer in the city.

It also seeks to strengthen the treatment pathway for liver cancer patients through information campaigns and patient navigation programs, consolidate funding support, and streamline referral pathways.

Additionally, the initiative will focus on integrating national cancer policies at the local level, with the Baguio City Health Office leading implementation and coordinating efforts among local hospitals.

The mayor thanked the partner health organizations for the collaborative effort to improve liver cancer care in the city, an endeavor that manifests the commitment of the city and these organizations in advancing healthcare excellence in the city. – Harold Deane Piog and Aileen Refuerzo