Nueva Ecija The Nueva Ecija Medical Center Inc. (NEMC) has officially launched its new Wound Care and Diabetic Foot Center, marking a major milestone in the institution’s commitment to comprehensive, specialized, and accessible medical care. Spearheaded by a multidisciplinary core team of specialists, the Center aims to address the growing burden of chronic wounds especially in patients with diabetes and to bring advanced, compassionate treatment closer to the community.

A Multispecialty Team at the Core

The Center is staffed by experts from different branches of medicine, forming a dedicated core team that will guide policy, clinical pathways, and patient management. Key figures include:

• Dr. Marlon Jay Gonzales (General Surgery)
• Dr. Lea Arceli Gonzales-Porciuncula (Vascular Medicine/Cardiology)
• Dr. Lia Mae Casallo (Internal Medicine/Diabetology)
• Dr. John Aldrin De Guzman (Thoracic and Vascular Surgery)
• Dr. Jerome Manzano (Infectious Disease)
• Dr. Maria Kristina Fajardo (Dermatology)
• Dr. Rochelle De Leon (General Surgery / Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery)

Together, they gathered in recent meetings to define the clinical protocols, infection control measures, preventive outreach, and early-detection strategies that will form the backbone of the Center’s work.

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‍Purpose & Promise

Patients with chronic wounds, such as ulcers due to diabetes or vascular disease, often face delays in getting appropriate care leading to complications including infection, loss of mobility, or in worst cases, amputation.

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The Wound Care and Diabetic Foot Center is designed to interrupt that progression by offering:

• Early detection and assessment
• Advanced wound care techniques (e.g. debridement, dressings, vascular interventions)
• Infection control and antibiotic management
• Prevention through education, risk factor management (blood sugar control, circulation, neuropathy care)

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A strong emphasis is placed not only on medical outcomes, but also on restoring dignity, mobility, and quality of life for patients. As Dr. Marlon Jay Gonzales said:

“Our goal is not just to treat wounds but to restore lives, mobility, and dignity of our patients.”

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Initial Wound Evaluation Package

To ensure every patient receives thorough and affordable diagnostic care, the Center now offers an Initial Wound Evaluation Package which includes:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Ankle-Brachial Index
• Wound Gram Stain / Culture Sensitivity
• X-ray of Extremity

With ZERO BALANCE BILLING care of PhilHealth!

This initiative reflects NEMC’s ongoing effort to make quality healthcare accessible and financially attainable for every Filipino patient.

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Making Care Affordable and Accessible

One of the Center’s defining features is its commitment to affordability. Recognizing that many patients delay or forego care due to cost, the NEMC leadership is working to ensure that services at the Center are financially accessible.

The facility inspection and planning phases include cost-friendly pathways and alignment of services with available community resources. The infrastructure has also been designed to meet high standards of wound care equipped with specialized tools, infection control systems, and procedural safety aligned with best practices.

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The Road Ahead

With these preparations in place, NEMC is now moving toward an official opening of the Center, expected to serve not just patients from San Leonardo but from all over Nueva Ecija and nearby provinces.

The Center’s establishment points to a larger trend in NEMC’s growth: modernizing services, investing in specialized care, and deepening its commitment to the health needs of its community.

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Significance to the Community

For many in Central Luzon where diabetes prevalence is rising and access to specialized vascular or wound care may be limited this Center offers hope.

Timely care of diabetic foot ulcers and similar conditions can significantly reduce morbidity, avoid hospitalizations, and prevent amputations. It can also reduce long-term healthcare costs for patients and the health system.

Moreover, the Center will play a crucial role in preventive health education helping people with diabetes understand how to care for their feet, monitor early warning signs, and seek early intervention.

This aligns with NEMC’s enduring mission:

“Your Health, Your Family, Our Priority.”

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The Wound Care and Diabetic Foot Center at Nueva Ecija Medical Center Inc. stands as a vital new facility one that amplifies specialized care, delivers it more affordably, and promises better outcomes for some of the most vulnerable patients.

As it opens its doors, it signals more than a medical service: it’s a reaffirmation of community, dignity, and the promise of healing.

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