CEBU Governor Pamela "Pam" Baricuatro made an unannounced visit to Minglanilla District Hospital on Thursday afternoon, July 3, 2025. This was her first hospital inspection since taking office.
The inspection began at 3:15 p.m. and covered various departments of the Level 1 facility. Baricuatro was joined by Cebu Provincial Health Consultant Elisse Nicole Catalan.
"It was a positive visit, and we were well received by the hospital director," Catalan said.
She said they toured the entire ground floor, including wards, emergency rooms, and the dietary area.
Among the issues discovered were broken tiles in the dietary kitchen, despite the building being new.
"The tiles are already broken, even though the building is still new. You saw it yourselves," Baricuatro said.
She immediately contacted someone to help fix the tiles, calling it "an accident waiting to happen."
Baricuatro also pointed out the lack of critical resources.
"There's no rabies vaccine, and no dental chair. The dentist's office doesn't even have a dental chair," she said. Catalan assured that the procurement process is underway, and these items "should receive it soon."
Catalan stressed the need to improve the labor, delivery, and operating rooms. She explained these areas are "crucial in helping decongest Vicente Sotto Medical Center."
Baricuatro observed the pharmacy lacked medicine and air conditioning, which is necessary for certain medications. Catalan added the hospital only has three nebulizer machines. She noted the hospital's Level 1 status and mentioned they are awaiting a readiness assessment from the Department of Health.
Baricuatro also emphasized the need to augment staff.
Capitol's Immediate Actions
The governor's visit came a day after the Capitol announced the immediate release of P80 million to 16 hospitals across Cebu province. Each of the 12 district and four provincial hospitals received P5 million.
Provincial Administrator Joseph "Ace" Durano said this is part of the Baricuatro administration's short-term response. The governor has already issued a memorandum for the swift release of funds to purchase essential medicines and equipment.
On Wednesday, July 1, Baricuatro also ordered an urgent review of manpower in all province-run hospitals. She directed the hiring of additional doctors and nurses before the month ends.
Baricuatro, the province's second female governor, made healthcare a central issue in her campaign. On the same day she assumed office, she vowed to strengthen the public health system, generate jobs, fight corruption, and restore dignity in public service. (CDF)