SOME residents in Cordova town on Mactan Island have expressed hope that more medical services will be offered for free in the soon-to-rise Super Health Center in Barangay Poblacion.

Marissa Tura, an indigent resident in Barangay Buagsong and a mother of two children, told SunStar Cebu Friday, March 24, 2023, that her family hopes for better service of the health center to the poor.

Mireluna Dacua and Geraldine Tago, both residents of Barangay Poblacion, also expect good service with free checkup and medicines.

Thirdy Louise Kong, RMT, MD, officer-in-charge of the Municipal Health Office, said the general public can expect several services at the Super Health Center such as birthing, dental, pharmacy, laboratory, X-ray and minor surgery.

But Kong said high-risk cases need to be referred to the bigger hospitals.

“All of the people whether from the poorest to the richest have access to all of the medical services in the government,” said Kong, adding that everything is free, including checkups, laboratory tests and medications as long as they have the supply.

He said the medium Super Health Center, which costs P11 million, is expected to be operational by July, adding that the duration of the construction is around 120 calendar days.

The funds were reportedly sourced from the budget of Sixth District Rep. Daphne Lagon as well as the equipment.

Kong said they could still cater to other outpatients from neighboring towns and cities but stressed that they will prioritize Cordova residents.

He said the Municipal Health Office already has three doctors, including him, as well as six nurses from the nurse deployment program (NDP) of the Department of Health (DOH) and four nurses from the local government.

Sen. Bong Go, who chairs the committee on health, inspected the construction of the Super Health Center on Friday, along with DOH 7 Director Jaime Bernadas and Cordova local officials led by Mayor Cesar “Didoy” Suan.

Once this will be turned over to the local government, Go said Cordova may be able to expand this with a dialysis center like in other areas in the Philippines.