BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has called the attention of the City Health Office (CHO) and urged immediate action following the discovery of a damaged X-ray machine and expired X-ray films that have hindered the delivery of essential medical services to Bacolodnons.
Through a resolution authored by Councilor Em Ang, the SP expressed concern over the findings of a city-led inventory team, which revealed that the CHO’s X-ray machine has been non-operational for more than two years, while its X-ray films have already expired.
Ang, who chairs the SP Committee on Health, emphasized that the repair or replacement of the machine is vital to ensuring access to timely and accurate diagnostic services for the public.
“An operational X-ray machine is crucial for detecting conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, broken bones, and foreign objects,” she said. “It directly improves patient outcomes and strengthens the city’s overall public health services.”
She added that having a functional X-ray facility at the CHO not only enhances accessibility to healthcare but also supports disease surveillance and allows health officials to respond more effectively to outbreaks.
The resolution urges the CHO, in coordination with other concerned departments and offices, to conduct a thorough assessment of the damaged X-ray machine’s condition, develop and implement a repair or replacement plan as soon as possible, provide regular updates to the SP regarding the progress of repairs or procurement, and ensure that all medical equipment complies with health and safety standards to protect patients and healthcare workers.
“It is imperative that the local government prioritize the assessment, repair, or acquisition of new X-ray machines to restore full operational capacity,” the resolution stated.
The SP’s move underscores the city government’s commitment to improving health services and ensuring that diagnostic facilities remain reliable and accessible to all residents./PN
