ILOILO – The provincial government will be receiving P595.615 million from the national government for the upgrading of 13 district hospitals, including the Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan town.
The P595.615 million will come from the 2023 General Appropriations Act and is lodged under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) of the Department of Health (DOH).
It is 50.55 percent higher than the P395.615 million requested by the provincial government.
Of the total budget, P487.500 million is for infrastructure projects and P108.115 million for the purchase of equipment.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said their continuous efforts in asking for the budget paid off.
He said sustaining operations and maintenance of the 13 district hospitals, including Iloilo Provincial Hospital, is a big task.
Once the hospitals are upgraded, they can cater to more patients and reduce referrals to tertiary hospitals in Iloilo City, said Defesnor.
He thanked Sen. Sonny Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on finance, for facilitating the province’s fund request.
The senator also previously facilitated a grant of P121.029 million for the Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP) program of the provincial government.
The breakdown of the P595.615-million assistance is as follows:
* Rep. Pedro Trono Memorial District Hospital (Guimbal) – P165.4 million
* San Joaquin Mother and Child Hospital (San Joaquin) – P114.405 million
* Aleosan District Hospital (Alimodian) – P22 million
* Iloilo Provincial Hospital (Pototan) – P29.5 million
* Dr. Ricardo Ladrido Memorial Hospital (Lambunao) – P11 million
* Dr. Ricardo Provido Sr. Memorial District Hospital (Calinog) – P28.350 million
*Federico Roman Tirador Sr. District Hospital (Janiuay) – P35.6 million
* Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital (Cabatuan) – P14 million
* Don Valerio Palmares Sr. District Hospital (Passi City) – P13.740 million
* Ramon Duremdes District Hospital (Dumangas) – P9 million
* Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. District Hospital (Barotac Viejo) – P18 million
* Jesus Colmenares District Hospital (Balasan) – P14.620 million
* Sara District Hospital (Sara) – P120 million
The provincial government continues to expand its hospital system to provide comprehensive healthcare services that are accessible and affordable to patients.
It embarks on the enhancement of its structures and services within the provincial health network in compliance with the Universal Health Care Law.
It is also upgrading its authorized beds to reach 80 to 85 percent, in line with the national target of the Department of Health (DOH).
Soon, the Iloilo Provincial Hospital will be upgraded to a Level II facility, while the Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial Hospital and Sara District Hospital are being gradually capacitated to become Level II hospitals by 2025.
This initiative is geared towards ensuring a higher level of medical care in the northern and southern parts of the province.
Hospital laboratories are also being equipped with diagnostic services that match those of tertiary-level facilities.
Facilities are being upgraded to comply with the DOH licensing requirements. (With a report from LHC/Capitol news)/PN
