New PB member to prioritize upgrade of health facilities

CEBU, Philippines - Incoming and first-time Cebu Provincial Board Member Horacio Franco III vows to prioritize improvement of health services in the fourth district once he officially assumes post.

During the Provincial Information Office-organized "Kapistorya" forum yesterday, Franco pointed out the need to upgrade the government health facilities such as the hospital in Bantayan Island.

He noted that the hospital is currently incapable of performing major surgical operations. At present, patients have to be ferried at least an hour or more than 50 kilometers to the mainland to seek medical attention in hospitals which are well-equipped.

The Bantayan Island hospital has a ten-bed capacity for a population of more than 200,000.

Bantayan Island, with its fine beaches, is also known for being a major tourist destination in Cebu.

The Capitol under the present administration is also pushing for the upgrade of all the district hospitals, including that in Bantayan, which are still in primary care level to at least level one.

The upgrading means the hospital can perform major surgery operations like appendectomy, caesarian, among others.

There are 16 provincial and district hospitals in the province.

Franco said he would propose for health infrastructure projects to meet the bed capacity requirements for the hospital's upgrade.

Fourth District covers Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, San Remigio, Santa Fe, Tabogon, and Tabuelan.

Apart from the improved delivery of health services, Franco's top priorities would also include more classroom buildings.

He said some schools in his districts still lack classrooms especially now that the K-12 program has been implemented in full swing.

Franco, who ran under the Liberal Party in the May 9 elections, currently sits as councilor of Medellin and is soon to represent the Fourth District to the Provincial Board. He would be joining re-electionist Sun Shimura of National Unity Party.  (FREEMAN)