THE humanitarian help department of the German Ministry of Defense donated medical and surgical equipment worth more than P2.5 million to six Community Primary Hospitals in Negros Oriental.

The donated medical and surgical equipment were transported from Germany to Negros Oriental by the Germany-based non-government organization Sampaguita Deutsch-Philippinischer Club E.V. Germany chaired by Araceli Bejar Heimann.

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Heimann is a native of Dumaguete City.

In a simple turnover ceremony held at the Integrated Provincial Health Office, Governor Emilio Macias II expressed his sincere thanks to Heimann's organization.

Dr. Chelsa Cacaldo, supervisor of the Community Hospitals in Negros Oriental, said the donated hospital equipment is intended for the Community Primary Hospitals in Kalumboyan, Bayawan City; Amio, Sta. Catalina; Nabilog, Tayasan; Pacuan, La Libertad; Inapoy, Mabinay; and Luz Sikatuna in Guihulngan.

Macias said he built community hospitals in the hinterland areas of the province at the end of his first term as governor in 1998 to provide health services to residents in the area.

He, however, admitted that due to lack of funds, the community hospitals still lack surgical equipment.

Macias, a doctor of medicine by profession, said in his second term, he gradually injected funds to improve medical facilities so that the community hospitals can also improve their services.

"This equipment would help a lot and enable our community hospitals to hold minor surgical operations," said the governor in his short message.

Heimann, on the other hand, said her group made efforts to transport the hospital equipment from Germany to Negros Oriental because she knew the needs of the community hospitals in the province.

The group donated hospital equipment to Negros Oriental for the second time.

Dr. Feliz Sy, chief of Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital, said the province deserves to receive medical and surgical equipment because it prioritizes health services. 37 percent of the annual budget is allotted for health services. (VLC)