GUIMARAS – The Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Medical Center (DCGNMC) in San Miguel, Jordan town inaugurated new medical services on August 15, further strengthening the province’s healthcare system and bringing advanced treatments closer to home for Guimarasnons.
The hospital’s latest upgrades include 10 hemodialysis machines, a 128-slice CT scan-ready Radiology Department, a full tertiary clinical laboratory, wellness and isolation rooms, and an HIV/AIDS Treatment Hub.
The unveiling was attended by Vice Gov. Cecile Gumarin, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, Jordan’s Mayor John Edward Gando, San Lorenzo’s Mayor Jimmy Gajo, Department of Health (DOH) Provincial Officer Dr. Nilda Baingan, Provincial Health Officer Dr. NL Cathrel Nava, department heads of the provincial government, DCGNMC personnel, and partner suppliers.
Acting Chief of Hospital Dr. Serren Lor Gallinero described the expansion as “lifesaving milestones,” noting that referrals of patients outside Guimaras have already declined.
“From rank No. 2 in the highest number of referrals to the APEX institution Western Visayas Medical Center in their latest statistics, we are down to No. 10. This is progress, but we are not stopping there,” Gallinero said, adding that plans are underway for a pulmonary unit and the reactivation of the intensive care unit (ICU).
Gov. Ma. Lucille L. Nava, for her part, welcomed the development but emphasized that beyond state-of-the-art facilities, compassionate service remains the hospital’s top priority.
“All of these would be a waste if we don’t serve our patients well. Para sa akon, what is important is that we serve with compassion. Kinahanglan bisan ano kanami ang dialysis mo, ang CT scan, and everything, but your personnel are not amiable to all our patients, I think it’s useless. So, maski kulang pa ang aton serbisyo, kun maayo ang pagserbisyo ta, gina-apresyar ina sang pasyente. Please, always take care of our patients well. That would be the most important thing,” Gov. Nava said.
Meanwhile, Cong. JC Rahman A. Nava lauded the milestone as a step toward achieving universal healthcare in Guimaras.
“Here in Guimaras, we are within reach of this dream. Diutay na lang guid. I am confident that with the support of municipal governments and our legislature, we will continue to improve healthcare access and financial security for every Guimarasnon,” the lawmaker said.
With these advancements, DCGNMC is moving closer to its vision of a self-reliant provincial healthcare system that provides quality, accessible, and patient-centered services for all Guimarasnons./PN
