Dr. Jesus M. Duenas

About us

The Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC) was established on February 9, 1945 as a special government hospital then known as the Philippine Civilian Affairs Unit No.1 General Hospital (PCAU 1). The first Hospital Chief was an army surgeon, Major Francisco Roman.Consequently, as a general hospital, it was located inside the confines of the National Mental Hospital in Mandaluyong, with doors open to all types of medical and surgical patients. In May, it was renamed as the Mandaluyong Emergency Hospital. Here it experienced hard times. In August, the Bureau of Health took over its management and reorganization measures were initiated reducing patient bed capacity as well as manpower; such characteristics shaped the true personality of the hospital as a Center of orthopedics and trauma.

By 1947, Dr. Jose V. Delos Santos assumed and soon the adoption of the name, National Orthopedic Hospital. A long range of program was instituted to upgrade hospital services and improve patient care. Fracture and vehicular accident victims, flowed from all over the country. Two years later, a four – year Residency Program in orthopedics and anesthesia was started. Later on, the Rehabilitation Department was started including a physical and occupational therapy unit andan artificial limb and brace shop.

Dr. Benjamin V. Tamesis (3^rd Hospital Chief) continued on the programs. This was a period of many firsts.Foremost is the send – off of medical and allied medical staff abroad for advanced and specialized training. And another wasin 1956, a 5 – year residency program in orthopedics and traumatology was instituted in 1963, the hospital site was transferred to Maria Clara cor. Banawe Sts, Quezon City and soon it was a pioneer in establishing a comprehensive rehabilitation program (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Artificial Limb and Brace Center.)

In 1982, pursuant to Batas PambansaBlg. 301, it acquired a new name, National Orthopedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Center (NOH - RMC) which was then during incumbency of Dr. Jose M. Pujalte Sr.. Under his direction, the Center was moved to greater manpower development heights side by side with expansion of hospital services possible then to the country side as well. Soon, 1987, Dr. Rafael S. Recto was appointed as the 5^th Medical Director and in two (2) years’ time, NOH – RMC was renamed as Philippine Orthopedic Center by virtue of RA 8766. The hospital’s residency committee was instituted as well as a Medical Research Committee.

Dr. Jesus M. Dueñas, was appointed as medical director and he initiated the completion of the new operating room complex and the renovation of different structures in the frontline areas. Dr. TeodoroR. Castro continued on the achievements of his predecessors. In no time soon, Dr. LuisitoR. Maaño assumed on 2011 and with his vibrant leadership he stirred the hospital forward. What followed is a series of quality public service intensified by mandatory and regulatory requirements as well as advanced technological developments.

At the helm of leadership now is Dr. Jose Brittanio S. Pujalte, Jr., presently officer-in-charge and concurrent Chief, Medical Professional Staff II, and is now performing a very challenging task directing the hospital into its greater heights.

Itis a 700 bed tertiary special hospital under the Department of Health of the Republic of the Philippines. Our Center is tasked to provide quality orthopedic and rehabilitation and other services relating to musculoskeletal disorder and related conditions.

Noteworthy, the Center also serves as a training center for orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, physiatrists, pathologistsand other paramedical personnel.