ILOILO City — Ilonggos may soon undergo minor surgical procedures and receive a broader range of medical services closer to their communities as the city government prepares to roll out its Mega Health Center program, potentially easing the need for patients to immediately seek treatment at larger hospitals.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the city is preparing to open its first Mega Health Center with basic services before gradually expanding its capabilities to include minor operations as equipment, personnel and other requirements become available.
“What do we mean by becoming a mega health facility? Even minor operations are being considered if we can do them, but we will do it gradually,” Treñas said.
Three facilities are being eyed under the program — the La Paz Maternity and Reproductive Health Center, formerly known as the La Paz Maternity Clinic; the Barangay Obrero Health Center; and the Arevalo Health Center.
The city government is working to upgrade the La Paz and Barangay Obrero facilities into Mega Health Centers, while the Arevalo Health Center is being assessed for possible conversion.
The City Health Office has already conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Arevalo facility as part of preparations for its possible expansion.
Once upgraded, the Arevalo Health Center is expected to offer minor surgical procedures, general outpatient consultations, TB-DOTS (Tuberculosis-Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course), maternal lying-in care and dental services.
Treñas said the initiative is intended to make more healthcare services readily accessible to residents and reduce the need for patients to immediately go to larger hospitals for conditions that can be treated at the community level.
The city, however, will not immediately operate the Mega Health Centers at full capacity.
Treñas said services will be introduced gradually depending on what can be safely and effectively provided given the facilities’ infrastructure, medical equipment and available healthcare personnel.
The planned expansion forms part of the city government’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and provide residents with greater access to medical services within their communities.
The city government will continue evaluating the facilities and their capabilities as preparations advance toward expanded Mega Health Center operations./PN
