(Photo by Lew Beriña) Due to the pandemic, ISO conducted the re-certification audit online last October 2020.

Amid the pandemic, the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) achieved a key milestone. After it successfully passed the re-certification audit last October 2020, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released a re-certification ISO: 9001:2015 to BMC for its effective quality management system.

Last Friday, December 11, 2020, was a joyous day as the Official Opening and Rites of Blessing of the Department of Pathology and Laboratories took place. It started with a mass at 9 am celebrated by Rev. Fr. Tirso P. Elorpe. Afterward, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was headed by Dr. Heriberto B. Fornoles and Dr. Suzette Angeli C. Babagay. The Staff and Guests lit the thanksgiving candle, followed by the blessing of the Laboratory. Members of the Executive Committee of Bicol Medical Center witnessed the said event, headed by Dr. Francisco DJ. Sales III, the newly appointed Medical Center Chief II.

Being a patient is already challenging. How much more, if you are a patient during a pandemic. In the past eight months, the Bicol Medical Center hospital staff had seen its patients and their families' ordeal. Some are afraid. Anxious. Stressed. Some are mentally & financially exhausted.

In the hope of bringing smiles, happiness, love, and compassion to its admitted patients, the Bicol Medical Center family continued its annual 'Christmas Cheers' Celebration this year.

Last December 8, 2020, after the Eucharistic Celebration at the BMC Chapel, the nursing management and its unit staff surprised its patients in various wards with simple gifts. 

Isa ang Bicol Medical Center sa dalawang testing centers sa Region 5 na inatasan ng Department of Health na magsagawa ng Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) test. Nandito kasi ang tinatawag na CoVID-19 GeneXpert Laboratory na nakakuha ng lisensya noong Mayo 28 mula sa Health Facility and Services Regulatory Bureau (HFSRB). Narito ang ilan sa madalas na tanong kaugnay ng COVID-19 GeneXpert Laboratory o COVID-19 testing sa BMC.