CEBU CITY — The University of Cebu Medical Center (UCMed) has successfully completed the first coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery under PhilHealth’s Z-Benefit program, expanding access to life-saving cardiac care for eligible members.

This landmark case involved a 58-year-old man diagnosed with severe coronary artery disease. Through the PhilHealth Z-Benefit package, he underwent complicated and expensive open-heart surgery while significantly reducing his out-of-pocket costs.

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“This Z benefit will be of great help to individuals who are experiencing financial hardship but need surgery,” said Dr. Peter Mancao.

Dr. Eduardo Lee Jr., director of the clinic and one of the attending physicians, noted that patients with additional risk factors may still be able to achieve good outcomes.

“The prognosis for some of these patients remains good because we have a team of doctors in place to ensure quality patient care,” Lee said.

Medical director Dr. Armando Tan said the operation confirmed the hospital’s capabilities, citing its well-equipped cardiac operating room and comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation center.

Both departments have been supporting open heart surgery since 2016, he added.

Coronary artery bypass grafting is performed on patients who are no longer candidates for angioplasty and whose arteries are blocked, severely restricting blood flow to the heart.

Although this procedure is highly specialized and can be difficult, especially for patients with uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease, outcomes can be greatly improved in the hands of a skilled and coordinated medical team.

The surgery was led by Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery (TCVS) surgeon and UCMed Z-Benefit Chairman Neil Sanico, MD, and directed by Dr. Mancao and Arnold Tan, MD, director of the Cardiovascular Operating Room.

Dr. Judith Fernando, director of the Division of Cardiovascular Anesthesia, and UCMed’s Heart Center team of cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists also participated.

As well as marking the milestone for the hospital, Mr Tan also urged patients experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath and other warning signs of heart disease to seek medical attention immediately.

“Early consultation can save lives,” he said.

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