Patients suffering from chronic and cancer-related pain can now access specialized treatment following the opening of an Interventional Pain Clinic at Cebu Provincial Hospital–Balamban.
The facility is considered the first of its kind not only in Cebu Province but across the Visayas, offering advanced pain management procedures that are typically available only in large private hospitals.
Capitol Public Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan said the clinic was established to address a long-standing gap in healthcare services for patients dealing with persistent pain conditions.
“Para ni sa mga chronic pain, joints, cancer pain. Manghambog jud mi nga first jud na siya in Cebu,” Catalan said.
One of the key services offered at the clinic is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce pain by targeting specific nerves that transmit pain signals to the brain.
“Mao na ang gitawag nga Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) first ni sa Cebu Province,” Catalan added.
According to the medical team, the procedure involves inserting a probe guided by ultrasound to locate the nerve responsible for the pain before applying controlled heat to interrupt the pain signal.
Anesthesiologist Dr. Tristan explained that the treatment is particularly beneficial for patients with conditions such as osteoarthritis.
“Diba naa man tay nerves. In pain man gud especially sa mga naay osteoarthritis is malfunctioning siya, sige siyag signal nga sakit,” he said.
“So ang buhaton sa RFA, mo insert sila og probe nga e ultrasound asa dapit ang nerve, then sunugon nila ang nerve,” he added.
Doctors said the treatment can significantly improve the quality of life of patients who have long endured debilitating pain caused by osteoarthritis and other chronic illnesses.
Catalan noted that pain management remains an underserved medical specialty despite the growing number of patients who need it.
“How important? Underserved na siya nga specialty. Daghan kaayog nag need og pain management pero ang nag offer mostly kay private hospitals,” she said.
In private medical facilities, the procedure can cost between P100,000 and P200,000, making it inaccessible to many patients.
At the provincial hospital, however, patients can benefit from coverage under PhilHealth, which may bring the estimated cost down to around P20,000.
The clinic was established through the initiative of Dr. Kirby Ardiente, with support from Dr. Olivia Dandan, chief of hospital at CPH-Balamban.
Hospital officials said the program carries a personal story.
When Ardiente returned from specialized training in pain management, his first patient at the hospital was Dandan’s mother, who was then in the final stage of her life.
Despite limitations in medicines and resources at the time, the medical team was able to help manage her pain and provide comfort during her remaining days.
“That experience inspired us. What once began with one patient is now a dedicated Interventional Pain Clinic, equipped to help many more Cebuanos facing chronic and cancer-related pain. Small beginnings. Meaningful impact,” Catalan said.
The clinic initially served three patients during its launch on March 6 and is expected to conduct procedures once or twice a month.
The opening also coincides with the anniversary celebration of the hospital, which officials said has the capacity to host the specialized service as a Level II facility with adequate space for expansion. (SBA)
Photo from Cebu Province
