Capitol to give new ambulances to 5 hospitals

GOVERNOR Arthur Defensor, Sr. will turn over on Monday, September 5, brand new ambulances to five district hospitals in Iloilo.

Defensor said the ambulances will be given to Dr. Ricardo Provido Memorial District Hospital in Calinog, Federico Roman Tirador Memorial District Hospital in Janiuay, Don Valerio Palmares Memorial District Hospital in Passi City, Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital in Cabatuan, and Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan.

It was learned that the said hospitals have existing ambulances donated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) but are already dilapidated.

Defensor said the new ambulances will be a big help to the recipient hospitals, particularly in the transfer of their patients.

Since the governor assumed office in July 2010, the province already allotted P110 million for the improvement of hospital facilities and acquisition of medical equipment for the 12 provincial government-run hospitals.

The province is also planning to loan P300 million from Land Bank of the Philippines for the upgrading and expansion of catchment hospitals, namely Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan, Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital in Cabatuan, Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial District Hospital in Guimbal and Sara District Hospital in Sara.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Board, upon the request of Defensor, already gave a go signal for the consignment of medicines in the 12 district hospitals.

It is said that the move will enhance the availability of low cost, high quality drugs and medicines in hospital pharmacies without entailing additional cost or investment on the part of the government.

Defensor also directed the Bids and Awards Committee to speed up the procurement of medicines and supplies for the hospitals. (ECGarcia)