ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Government moved swiftly to secure ₱180 million in Department of Health (DOH) funding for critical medical equipment in two district hospitals, with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) holding an emergency session.
The SP, led by Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque, convened a special session on November 12 and passed a resolution authorizing Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. to sign the funding agreement with the DOH.
The urgent action came after the Provincial Hospital Management Office sought legislative approval to complete the requirements for the ₱180-million allocation under the DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program.
Of the total allocation, ₱130 million is earmarked for a computed tomography (CT) scanner and other medical equipment at Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital in Cabatuan.
The remaining ₱50 million will finance a mammography machine and other equipment at Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial Hospital in Lambunao.
The planned upgrades are expected to strengthen diagnostic capabilities in both hospitals, allowing more patients in Iloilo’s municipalities to undergo essential medical examinations without having to travel to larger hospitals.
Debuque emphasized that the investments would bring vital diagnostic services closer to Ilonggo communities, particularly patients who face difficulties accessing specialized medical equipment.
She also thanked the provincial board members and SP Secretariat personnel who attended the special session despite the short notice, enabling the provincial government to complete the legislative requirement ahead of the deadline./PN