GOVERNOR Alfredo Marañon Jr. considered the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP) as one of the most successful programs of the provincial government as it has benefited the poor and underprivileged families.
He said this during the inauguration of the satellite office of NOCHP at Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.
It was also the 8th year anniversary of NOCHP.
As of August 31, a total of 368,541 patients have already availed the healthcare program, with total hospital expenses of P208,273,464 while NOCHP membership has already reached 276,465 member-families.
“NOCHP is beyond politics and is intended for the poor,” the governor said.
NOCHP is a priority program of the Provincial Government and its congressional districts that seek to provide comprehensive health care to indigent Negrenses, in cooperation with PhilHealth, Department of Health, and the local government units.
A NOCHP cardholder and his dependents are entitled to free outpatient care that includes consultations with full course treatment and medicines, and subsidized in-patient care in provincial government-run hospitals and other participating government hospitals.
For his part, Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he will continue the NOCHP once he becomes governor.
"Based on my track record as mayor of San Carlos City, I continue the programs and projects of my predecessors especially sustainable and effective programs and NOCHP is one,” he said.
Lacson said he hopes more Negrenses will be able to avail the benefits of NOCHP in the years to come.
Part of the day’s program was the signing of the Visiting Consultant Agreement between Marañon and Dr. Ramon Gustilo, a world-renowned medical practitioner who hails from Manapla and specializes in orthopedics.
It was stated in the agreement that Gustilo shall render services pro-bono or without charge to the service patients in the hospital as part of his professional duty.
Marañon said Gustilo signified his intention to provide services needed by the TLJPH as a visiting consultant in the field of orthopedics, who shall perform work not performed by the regular personnel of the hospital.
Gustilo is the founder and charter president of the US Orthopedic Trauma Association, member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery and American Orthopedic Association, chairman and CEO of the Orthopedic International Inc. Philippines, founder of the Philippine Orthopedic Institute Philippines, and a famous author, sought-after lecturer and visiting professor to various countries.