Friday, November 24, 2006 Health office wants Benguet hospital head permanent
THE Department of Health (DOH) is looking for a permanent chief of the Benguet General Hospital (BeGH) after denying a request to extend the term of the current head of the health institution.
Health Regional Director Myrna Cabotaje said a chief of the hospital should be assigned to the BeGH to enhance the delivery of health services to its clients.
This came following Cabotaje's denial of a request to recommend the extension of the term of office of BeGH officer-in-charge Nicolas Gordo for another year. Gordo was appointed by Governor Borromeo Melchor to supervise the health institution this year.
The Provincial Board (PB) endorsed to the health department a senior citizens' resolution requesting for the extension of Gordo's term as BeGH chief.
But Cabotaje said the DOH could not grant the request, adding Gordo is also needed at the regional office. "We regret that we cannot recommend the extension of Dr. Gordo for one year considering that the DOH regional office has various ongoing health programs and projects for the region and Dr. Gordo's service is equally indispensable. Furthermore, with the ongoing rationalization, we are unable to hire staff to fill up vacancies in the office," he said in a letter addressed to Vice Governor Crescensio Pacalso.
"We believe that it is high time for a chief of the hospital to be appointed, both for the good of BeGH and its customers and stakeholders," said Cabotaje, adding that Gordo would not be exempted from applying for the position.
The hospital is operating as an economic enterprise of Benguet and is subsidized by the Provincial Government with a yearly allocation of P40 million. (JC)
