BACOLOD City – Discussions are ongoing between the city government and certain groups interested to donate a property for the proposed Bacolod City General Hospital.
After the legislation for the establishment of the hospital was approved by the Senate early last week, Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the city government would “seriously pursue” prospective lot donors.
“In coordination with Congressman Greg (Gasataya), we hope to finalize the deed of donation,” he added.
Leonardia, however, has yet to disclose further details as to the donors and the location of the property.
On May 26, Gasataya announced House of Representatives Bill (HB) 6731, which he authored, and its counterpart, Senate Bill 1647, filed by Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri hurdled second reading.
He said the Senate has allotted P600 million for the establishment of the Bacolod City General Hospital, which will be included in the 2022 General Appropriations Act under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the Department of H
ealth (DOH).
Gasataya stressed the need for better public healthcare because of his own experience of having a family member in a hospital and looking for finances and medicines.
Leonardia commended Gasataya and Zubiri for their sponsorship of the bills.
He also acknowledged the support of Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go who chairs the Senate committee on health.
Go is confident of the Senate’s final approval although the bill will still pass the bicameral committee, Leonardia said. (PNA/PN)
