CCMC chooses to show hospital’s capability

CEBU, Philippines – Rather than dispute allegations, the Cebu City Medical Center management says it is more inclined to show the public the hospital’s competence in delivering health care services.

The government-owned hospital had been criticized heavily for allegedly wasting fluid medications and stealing oxygen cylinders, among others.

“While we may choose to treat these allegations as malicious, CCMC takes these as challenges to prove to the public even further the brand of health care we deliver,” said CCMC Hospital Administrator  Rey Cris Panugaling.

“But with due respect to public opinion, we believe that the allegations hounding the hospital as raised by some sectors in the recent days are obsolete issues,” he added.

The accusations have also prompted the hospital’s administration to speak up.

“I would like to answer this because of too much issues being stated in social media and even on radio… issues regarding the CCMC’s fluids and oxygen nga grabi na kaayo ang pagpangataki ba,” Panugaling said in the press conference yesterday.

“CCMC recognizes its imperfection... But when we heard news about these issues, it didn’t give us any ground (to provide our side.) Because we believe that we delivered proper procedures in the hospital, though not perfect but the proper way,” he said further.

Apart from the reported claims on CCMC’s operations, Panugaling likewise defended their human resource personnel whom he recognized as competent enough to handle their functions at the hospital.

“Our professionals in the administration, medical and allied health sciences are equipped with the knowledge, attitude and skills in providing competent, compassionate medical care and in running a public corporation like this city’s hospital,” Panugaling said.

“We believe that we operated this hospital with all good faith… We are confident enough that we handled CCMC in a manner which is being mandated to us,” he added.

Panugaling said further he believes the management has adopted innovative approaches through collaborative management as shown in the improvement of the hospital’s infrastructure and systems.

“But we also recognize that there is more left to be done and we are passionate of delivering uncompromised service in spite of this temporary permanent facility,” he said.

He asked that the public address their concerns directly to the hospital rather than channel them through mainstream or social media.

“We really appreciate people who will approach our office and have these things done. We believe that all errors must be documented, not to blame people but to really check with all aspects that those concerns will be addressed and also for us to learn from our mistakes,” he said.

“What we want is for the public to tell us what they need and for us to be aware of their concerns. We can use these issues brought up to us in improving our hospital,” Panugaling added. —/JMO (FREEMAN)