A BENGUET board member is seeking the help of a lawmaker in sourcing out funds for the construction of a new hospital building in Benguet General Hospital to cater to the growing number of patients.
Board Member Jim Botiwey in his proposal said BeGH needs additional beds and another hospital building to expand its services to the public because of the growing number of patients accommodated by the hospital.
However, board member Florencio Bentrez meanwhile raised apprehension on the proposed resolution to upgrade BeGH.
"Improve services first before constructing new buidlings," added Bentrez.
Botiwey however said the expansion of the hospital facilities and accommodation will help in the number of growing patients accommodated by the facility catering not only to the province but also to nearby areas.
According to Botiwey, the hospital when upgraded will be able to conduct additional procedures for its patients.
Botiwey asked Benguet Representative Ronald Cosalan to help source out funds needed to increase the bed capacity of the hospital from the original 250.
It has been observed that from January to August of 2016, the monthly average bed occupancy rate of the hospital is more than 100 percent.
The board member said 52 patients monthly are referred to other hospitals as it can no longer accommodate patients.
The hospital, added Botiwey is committed in promoting health and in giving the best medical care and facility to the people of Benguet and nearby provinces.
Botiwey said the province continuously provide annual subsidy to maintain the hospital’s operation despite being declared as an economic enterprise in the province.
BeGH is set to receive P35 million next year.
Meanwhile, Governor Crescencio Pacalso recently signed an endorsement for the increase of hospital fees on some services and adjustments on emergency fees as proposed by hospital chief Dr. Maria Imelda Ulep.