The Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital used to be a 100 bed capacity hospital, but, if you visit today, it has a census of about 500 patients a day, more or less. To say that its personnel and resources are stretched beyond limits is an understatement. Coupled with the fact that a portion of its buildings was demolished to give way to the center block, so, you have patients accommodated in the hallways, chapel and every known space.
The center of the controversy is the funding for the “center block”, building, which is supposed to increase its bed capacity. The plans are laid out, cost estimates are done, but, what gives?
By a vote of 6-5, the Provincial Board approved of the authority for the Governor to obtain a 350 million loan from the Development Bank of the Phil. , but, somehow the authority is now in question due to a MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION filed on the approval, per Internal Rules of the provincial Board. Board Members Angelo Teves and former Mayor Rodrigo Alanano justified their support by stating the fact that the building should be started as soon as possible to provide better facilities to the patients who cannot afford private hospitals. There is an urgent need because the building of the center block may take two years, more or less.
On the other hand, there is an alleged 100 million DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH funding, which is available at DOH REGION VII-CEBU CITY. This is the reason why there is opposition to the 350 million loan, because the DOH funding is interest free.
Both parties obviously have good intentions- the welfare of the people. Can they not meet and thresh out the issue?
The most important consideration should be: What will facilitate the immediate start of the building of the center block?
Most people opined that it is good that there is a 100 million from DOH, whenever it is available. The Provincial Government should pursue this DOH funding. In the meantime, how about the 350 million loan to start the ball rolling?
Let us remember that the building of the center block building is just part of the efforts to improve the facilities of NOPH. More funding is needed to provide the furnishings, beds, monitoring units, and all other equipment necessarily to make the building operational, including salaries and wages for its personnel compliment.
Elections are in May 2013 yet, let us see our government officials mature and come to terms with their common goal for the common good. Health issues should not be mixed with political agenda.
The right to better health is a human rights issue, and should not be hindered by self serving interests, corrupt motives or any other agendas. It is time to go beyond politics and see the “DAANG MATUWID” of the P-NOY brand.
Dr. Felix Sy and his staff are pleading for immediate attention, not for themselves, but for the sake of the “MADLANG PIPOL!”
GO VISIT THE PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL AND SEE FOR YOURSELF! It is like a scene from war torn areas. It is pathetic and too scandalous to bear, even just for looking. Something has to be done right now!
