The Lung Center of the Philippines was established through Presidential Decree No. 1823 on January 16, 1981 to provide the Filipino people state-of-the-art specialized care for lung and other chest diseases. The Center was inaugurated on January 23, 1982 as a tertiary level hospital with the view of "meeting the anticipated health problems of respiratory nature on a national coverage as a coordinated effort of the Ministry of Health, other government agencies and the private sector committed to health." Through the years since it opened in 1982, LCP has been responding resolutely to the challenges of providing effective pulmonary care to patients, posting impressive gains in virtually all services being rendered. In a tragic twist of events that happened on May 16, 1998, all the glory and fame that the LCP had achieved practically went up in smoke. A fire that gutted 80% of the hospital building and facilities, temporarily set back the time table for more ambitious research developments and promotive health programs. The Center's immediate rehabilitation was needed to be able to continue its vital services, considering that most of its patients comes mostly from the masses. Thus to initiate the restoration of the hospital, President Estrada ordered the release of initial funds amounting to P200 million. The reopening of the Center last March 1, 1999 was an occassion for rejoicing and relief, especially by those who depended on the hospital because they could not get the specialized treatment they needed anywhere else. The Center then provide basic services such as the 24-hour Emergency Room, laboratory, radiology and pharmacy services, in-patient and out-patient consultation, ECG, central supply, ultra-sound, nursing care and ambulance conduction. It has two operating rooms (OR), and an intensive care unit (ICU). Presently the Center has a bed capacity of 210. It is in the process of acquiring state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The Center is determined to continue to carry on the legacy of commitment, excellence and top-quality, affordable medical care to thousands of Filipinos.
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