ANTIQUE – The Provincial Government of Antique has allocated P162 million to modernize healthcare services, including the acquisition of advanced medical equipment, a new CT scan machine, medicines, and improved emergency response capabilities for government hospitals.
Gov. Paolo Javier announced the initiatives as part of the provincial government’s continuing efforts to improve healthcare delivery and ensure accessible medical services for Antiqueños.
Of the total funding, P97 million was released through a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) from the national government for the purchase of medical equipment. Around P73 million to P74 million will be used to acquire advanced medical equipment for the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH), while P3 million will be allocated to each district hospital for essential medical equipment.
The provincial government has also earmarked P65 million for the procurement of a new CT scan machine and a digital ceiling X-ray system, with acquisition scheduled this August.
To strengthen the province’s medicine supply, the governor’s office turned over P2 million worth of medicines selected by local pharmacists.
In addition, the provincial government has signed a contract with the Philippine Pharma Procurement Inc. (PPPI) for another P20 million worth of medicines, supplemented by P40 million under Supplemental Budget No. 2 to ensure adequate pharmaceutical supplies for the remainder of the year.
Emergency medical services were also bolstered with the turnover of a new ambulance from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to ASMGH, aimed at improving patient transport and emergency response.
Javier likewise led the turnover of 45 bed foams to ASMGH, a donation from his wife, Veronica Ann Yap-Javier, to help improve patient comfort.
The governor also announced that all Contract of Service (COS) personnel at ASMGH have secured 100-percent contract renewal.
He said COS nurses will receive a monthly salary of P38,000, while administrative COS personnel will also receive salary adjustments. The provincial government is exploring additional funding to extend similar benefits to other employee groups next year.
ASMGH is also working to shorten salary processing time from 14 days to between six and nine days while further enhancing its diagnostic services through the acquisition of modern equipment.
Javier thanked Antique Lone District Rep. Antonio Agapito “AA” Legarda Jr., Sen. Loren Legarda, ASMGH Officer-in-Charge Chief of Hospital Dr. Melinda Pechayco, and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Melende Fabila-Sanchez for supporting the province’s healthcare initiatives.
“Wara dapat kang Antiqueño nga mapabay-an tungod lang sa kakulangan kang bulong ukon serbisyo,” Javier said, reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring that no Antiqueño is deprived of medicine or quality healthcare services./PN
