公告

Chong Hua Hospital Performs First Open-Heart Surgery Under PhilHealth Z-Benefit Package

3 月 16, 2026

Cebu City — Chong Hua Hospital successfully performed its first Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery under the PhilHealth Z-Benefit Program on February 26, 2026, marking an important milestone in expanding access to advanced cardiac care for qualified patients.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery is a life-saving procedure for patients with severe coronary artery disease, a condition where the blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked. This surgery restores blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked coronary arteries using healthy blood vessels we call grafts. While the surgery can significantly improve survival and quality of life, it is also a highly specialized procedure that often involves substantial hospital costs. The PhilHealth Z-Benefit Package helps address this challenge by providing financial support for eligible patients, allowing more Filipinos to access critical heart surgery and receive the care they need while easing the cost of treatment.

The first beneficiary was a 71-year-old woman with severe coronary artery disease. After undergoing Z-Benefit eligibility screening, comprehensive evaluation, and pre-authorization approval, the patient was promptly scheduled for surgery.

Through the PhilHealth Z-Benefit program, patients deemed eligible for CABG surgery can now avail of financial assistance, making life-saving treatments more accessible and timely.

The procedure was performed at the hospital’s Cardiovascular Operating Room by a highly competent and specialized multidisciplinary heart team. The team was led by attending Cardiologist Dr. Arvisminda Ladiao and Cardiovascular – Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Erwyn Novilla and team. They were supported by Dr. Judith Fernando, Cardiac Anesthesiologist; Dr. Anthony Earl Uy, Cardiac Intensivist; and Dr. Karen Caudor, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist. Furthermore, the collaboration among the hospital’s dedicated teams, including the CABG Z-Benefit Team, Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) Team, Coronary Care Unit and Cardiovascular Recovery Room (CCU/CVRR) Team, Cardiac Rehabilitation Team, and Patient Care Unit (PCU 7A) Team, reflects the strength of Chong Hua Hospital’s integrated Heart Team approach.

The patient shared that the experience was reassuring from admission through recovery.

“Being the first patient to avail of the CABG Z-Benefit Package, I felt like I was a VIP from start to finish. The process was hassle-free,” the patient shared.

She also expressed appreciation for the support and care provided by the Heart Team.

“The clinical care was impressive. I would like to specifically commend Dr. Jay Tagalog for his accommodating nature and Dr. Arvis Ladiao for her professionalism in explaining my results clearly. Dr. Karen Caudor provided excellent patient education, ensuring all rehabilitation protocols were clearly explained,” she added.

The successful surgery was made possible through Chong Hua Hospital Cebu’s strong partnership with PhilHealth and the seamless collaboration of multiple hospital departments.

This giant step highlights the hospital’s continued commitment to clinical excellence, multidisciplinary teamwork, and patient-centered cardiovascular care. By strengthening access to specialized heart procedures through national health programs, Chong Hua Hospital aims to help more patients receive timely treatment and support on their journey toward recovery at a subsidized cost.