ILOILO – To fix long-standing gaps in hospital logistics and replace aging units more than a decade old, the Iloilo provincial government has rolled out 10 brand-new service vehicles to nine district hospitals and the Hospital Management Office (HMO).
Officials say the upgrade is essential to speeding up patient support services and daily operations.
Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, and Acting Provincial Government Department Head Atty. Yoko Marie Eguia of the HMO led the turnover after the flag-raising ceremony on Monday, Nov. 17.
According to Eguia, the P20-million fund used for the purchase was charged to the Supplemental Budget No. 1 for 2024, with each unit costing P2 million.
“Ini mga vehicles para sa support services sang aton nga hospitals sa ila day-to-day operation para magbulig sa ila transaction, magbakal sang medical supplies para sa aton pasyente… We have 10 vehicles – nine for our district hospitals and one for HMO diri sa capitol nga naga-support sang services sa aton nga hospitals,” Eguia said.
The nine hospitals that received new service vehicles are:
* Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital (Cabatuan)
* Sara District Hospital (Sara)
* Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial District Hospital (Lambunao)
* Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital (Dumangas)
* Aleosan District Hospital (Alimodian)
* Don Valerio Palmares District Hospital (Passi City)
* Federico Roman Tirador Sr. Memorial District Hospital (Janiuay)
* Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Memorial District Hospital (Calinog)
* Jesus M. Colmenares Memorial District Hospital (Balasan)
The 10th vehicle was assigned to the HMO to support all 13 provincial government–run hospitals.
Eguia noted that the nine hospitals were prioritized due to the deteriorated condition of their existing vehicles and the significant distance of these facilities from Iloilo City, making reliable transportation crucial for operations.
“We appreciate the support of this administration in providing these vital resources, highlighting the importance of reliable transportation in our hospitals’ daily operations,” she added./PN
