The proposed out-patient department building at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH) in Dumaguete City broke ground today, July 6, 2011 with top officials from the Department of Health (DOH) attending the ceremony.
Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo led the lowering of a time capsule at the empty lot behind the NOPH New Administration Building, together with DOH Undersecretary Nemesio Gaco, Assistant Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and Enrique Tayag, signaling the start of construction work of the P80-million building.
DOH has infused P77 million for the construction of the three-storey building.
Construction costs are also being aided by the European Union, according to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Dante Domingo.
Domingo thanked DOH for their funding assistance, saying that the new building will boost the NOPH, classified as a Tertiary 1 government hospital. “We promise to further improve our delivery of health services for our people in the province,” he told the DOH officials during the program held after the groundbreaking.
Usec. Herbosa disclosed that the DOH funding is a national grant aimed at improving pro-poor health systems nationwide. “We want to see public hospitals deliver quality health service at low cost, which is why we are putting money in basic health services and facilities,” he stressed.
DOH spent P7 billion in 2010 for construction of various health facilities across the country.
Gov. Degamo, in his speech, said the new OPD structure supports the provincial government’s efforts to provide quality health care services to Negrenses. “It is my desire to meet the health needs of the people by providing patients a sanitary and comfortable place to stay at the NOPH,” he stressed.
The new building is the fifth important health initiative launched in the province this year, starting with the Provincial Health Insurance of Negros Oriental (PHINO), fully integrated computerized health system, procurement of a diagnostic imaging equipment and the ongoing construction of the Central Block Building behind the NOPH.
Measures to improve the provincial hospital’s facilities were started during the administration of the late Gov. Emilio C. Macias II who was a doctor by profession. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)