CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led Wednesday, May 1, the groundbreaking ceremony of the country’s first government-funded OFW (overseas Filipino workers) Hospital and Diagnostic Center.
The facility will rise in a two-hectare lot at the Provincial Engineering Office Compound in Barangay Sindalan, City of San Fernando that was donated by the Provincial Government.
Its construction will be shouldered by businessman Enrique Anselmo Klar Razon. Jr. of Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels, while the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation will provide equipment.
“This OFW Hospital and Diagnostic Center will provide free medical services to OFWs and their immediate family members. This is a fitting tribute to them, our new heroes,” Arroyo said.
To ensure continued funding of the facility, particularly the provision of adequate staff, Arroyo appealed to House members from Central Luzon and the chairpersons of the committees on health and labor to author a bill creating it.
“As recommended by the Department of Budget and Management, a law is needed for the continued funding of this OFW Hospital and Diagnostic Center,” Arroyo said.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said they expect the facility to be operational by 2020 with an initial 100-bed capacity. Similar facilities will be built in Visayas and Mindanao. (PR)