The new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) in Quezon City are a huge boost in advancing and improving healthcare services and infrastructure for Filipino children, two senators said Friday.

The MRI TESLA, a first in the country, and the upgraded CT scan will double patient capacity and provide clearer images.

The funding for the state-of-the-art medical equipment was made possible through the efforts of Senators Christopher “Bong” Go, Pia Cayetano and Sonny Angara.

Go and Cayetano are the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Heath, respectively, while Angara chairs the Finance Committee.

“These would allow us to serve more children and help our medical personnel diagnose their patients faster and better,” Cayetano said during the unveiling of the two medical equipment.

She pointed out that the costly equipment usually could only be seen in private hospitals.

“Pero yung goal po natin is that yung mga public hospitals natin katulad nitong Philippine Children’s Medical Center magkaroon din ng mga (But our goal is for public hospitals like the Philippine Children’s Medical Center to also have) diagnostic equipment,” she added.

Meanwhile, Go thanked his colleagues for making the MRI and CT scans possible.

Through the lawmakers’ efforts, the PCMC’s radiology division was also able to undergo renovation after 40 years. (PNA)