NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Tuesday, July 18, is optimistic that the Capitol will be able to reach an agreement with Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital for the possible use of its annex building which will be converted into a dormitory for relatives or helpers of the patients.
He said the province is currently negotiating with the management of the CLMMRH.
“We are strengthening our legal basis to support our claim that it is a property of the provincial government,” Lacson said.
CLMMRH is also claiming ownership of the property.
Lacson said that the provincial government plans to convert some of the rooms as temporary lodging for relatives or helpers of the patients, especially those from out of town.
The building was previously used by the University of St. La Salle for its College of Medicine.
Relatives or "watchers," who have patients in the hospital, are often seen sleeping outside the CLMMRH along Lacson Street as the hospital management has implemented a policy where no watchers will be allowed entry to its premises due to the spread of Covid-19.
The scene has been a cause of concern for the public and government officials are finding ways to provide shelter for their constituents who accompany their patients admitted at the health facility.
Some local governments rented boarding houses near the CLMMRH while Bacolod City provided temporary shelter for their constituents.*