Barili to build own hospital despite Capitol facility in town
CEBU, Philippines — The municipality of Barili will put up its own hospital despite being host of the province-owned district hospital.
During his first State of the Municipality Address last Friday, Mayor Marlon Garcia announced that the initial amount of P9.5 million for Barili hospital was already bid out.
Aside from this amount, Garcia said another P10 million has been included in the Department of Health’s budget next year for the building.
Garcia said the hospital which he described as “gargantuan project” will be equipped with modern hospital beds, emergency room lights and facilities, X-ray machines, ECG, ultrasound, and other necessary laboratory equipment.
“This is to complement the services given by the Barili District Hospital. My fellow Barilinhons, let us embrace this rare opportunity of having our very own hospital!” he said.
Health program was among the campaign promises of Garcia in last year’s elections following tragic incidents experienced by some constituents due to lack of access to a good medical facility.
“These tragic moments of our history as a town have pressed us to spend every waking moment to find the most immediate way to change this appalling situation that our poor Barilinhons were in. I had assured everyone during my campaign that I will put a stop to this dreadful condition,” he said.
On his first day in office, Garcia issued Executive Order declaring the municipal ambulance free for all.
“Pinaagi niini, atong gipakita, nga ang ambulansya iya sa katawhan, ug dili angayan nga inegosyo,” he said.
Garcia also said medicines and vaccines, including anti-rabies vaccines, are now available for everybody at the Rural Health Unit regardless of political affiliations. About P2.3 million was allocated last year for this purpose and the medicines and vaccines were distributed for free.
The health service providers were provided with two brandnew service vehicles worth P1.7 million to be able to reach the constituents faster and to help in their mobility as they implement the Expanded Program on Immunization, pre-natal care for women, and other health-related services in the barangays.
To keep up with modern technology, health centers are now equipped with 22 laptops so that they will be linked with the iClinicSys database.
The municipality also purchased a brand new 30-seater Coaster from the PhilHealth Capitation Fund amounting to P3 million for use during health symposium, seminars, and other related activities of the health care providers. —/FPL (FREEMAN)
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