Mandaue City Hospital gets P23M worth equipment, projects

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health and the Department of Public Works and Highways turned over yesterday P23.5 million worth of medical equipment and infrastructure projects to the Mandaue City Hospital.

Sixth district Representative Luigi Quisumbing, who requested for the funding for the city-run hospital, said P10 million of the amount is for medical equipment and the P6 million for expansion, all from DOH.

The DPWH, for its part, will shoulder the construction of a doctors’ clinic, a plasma pit and a sewerage treatment plant of MCH, costing P7.5 million.

“Our heartfelt thanks to DOH Secretary (Janette) Garin...with these resources we are more able to deliver services to the people,” said Quisumbing, who requested for the release of the funds last year.

The two-term legislator said the new equipment and facilities will “help and arm properly the team” of MCH.

The P10-million equipment, according to DOH-7 assistant regional director Sofia Mancao, include 40 modern mechanical beds, 40 bedside tables, a delivery table, an ECG machine, a P4.9-million plasma sterilizer, a fully-automated blood chemistry machine, audiometer, high-end BP apparatus, among others.

Mancao said they hope to deliver all the items before May or June.

The ceremonial turnover was graced by Quisumbing, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and MCH chief of hospital Dr. Ma. Lourdes Espinoza.

For her part, Espinoza said the funds will also be used to repair and build additional comfort rooms in MCH.

At present, MCH reportedly does not have a blood chemistry analyzer, audiometer and autoclave or plasma sterilizer.

Quisumbing said the hospital should have those equipment so that the locals and those living in nearby towns and cities will not have to go to private laboratories or hospitals.

He said by upgrading city hospitals like MCH, DOH has, in the process, “decongested” state-run hospitals like the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

“We can help decongest the national hospitals by expanding the services of city hospitals,” he said.

Cortes thanked DOH and DPWH for helping the city’s hospital, as it also means they can help more people especially in the marginalized sector.

“This is what public service is all about,” he said. — (FREEMAN)