Bulacan, Philippines — In a groundbreaking move for local healthcare, the Province of Bulacan has inaugurated the country’s first locally funded Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility, marking a milestone in accessible and modern diagnostics for Filipinos.
Situated at the Bulacan Medical Center, the new open MRI system—developed and powered by Time Medical Systems, a U.S.-FDA-registered and CE-marked global innovator in advanced imaging technology—represents a pivotal step toward universal and equitable healthcare across the country.
“Ideally, every tertiary-level hospital should have an MRI for diagnostics,” said Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando. “For years, people have to travel far and spend more just to get the scans they need. Now, Bulakenyos can access world-class diagnostic services right here in our province—safely and affordably.”
A First for Local Government Units
While most MRI facilities in the Philippines remain privately owned—with only around 160 units nationwide as of 2022, Bulacan’s initiative stands out as the first-ever LGU-funded open MRI system.
This project exemplifies how local governments can lead the way in bridging healthcare gaps, complementing the Department of Health’s national vision for universal healthcare. Governor Fernando’s administration spearheaded the initiative to give every Bulakenyo access to essential diagnostic services without the financial strain of traveling to private hospitals or major urban centers.
“This project shows how public-private partnership can come together for real impact,” said Joyce Socao, CEO and Managing Director of Time Medical Philippines. “We are proud to work alongside the Government of Bulacan under the leadership of Governor Fernando in delivering advanced and affordable MRI technology to the people—proving that world-class healthcare should be accessible to all.”
For many Filipinos, routine checkups stop at X-rays or ultrasounds. With this MRI now in Bulacan, residents finally have access to the gold standard in detecting critical conditions—from tumors and cysts to clots and cancers—without having to leave their province.
Technology That Works for Filipinos
The installed system—Time Medical’s PICA Open MRI—is designed specifically for patient comfort and practicality in local settings. Its open architecture reduces anxiety for claustrophobic, elderly, and pediatric patients, while its helium-free, permanent magnet technology makes it more cost-efficient, low-maintenance, and power-stable, particularly suited for provincial hospitals. For better comfort, the patient can be accompanied by a loved one while having the procedure.
In addition, the MRI’s built-in Teleradiology feature—a first of its kind in the country—allows radiologists to interpret scan results remotely and in real time, ensuring faster turnaround and expanding access to medical expertise even in remote areas.
“Time Medical’s mission has always been clear—to make medical imaging accessible to every population, not just in major cities,” Socao added. “With Bulacan taking the lead, we hope other LGUs will follow suit and make advanced diagnostics part of every Filipino’s right to healthcare.”
Setting a Model for Future Healthcare Partnerships
Former Bulacan Governor and now Time Medical Chairman Roberto “Obet” Pagdanganan also expressed pride in seeing his home province lead this innovation:
“As a Bulakenyo, I see this project as a symbol of progress, with Governor Fernando exemplifying how LGUs can embrace technology to serve their people better. This partnership proves that local government and private industry can build stronger, smarter, and more inclusive health systems together.”
The initiative also aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Memorandum Circular No. 26, issued on July 14, 2023, which adopts the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan 2020–2040. The directive encourages local government units and private partners to collaborate through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to close infrastructure gaps and strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide. Bulacan’s investment in its own MRI facility demonstrates how LGUs can actively translate this policy into tangible improvements in medical access for their communities.
By establishing this LGU-funded MRI facility, Bulacan has not only brought high-quality medical imaging closer to its people, but also set a benchmark for other provinces looking to modernize their public healthcare infrastructure.
