Bohol News Daily

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Salinas asks “DOH share” in running P15M hospital

Written by anyajulia on 25 August 2008

AFTER successfully tapping sources to fund its P15M Municipal Health Center, Mayor Roberto Salinas now dared the Department of Health (DOH) to put up its “share” in the future operation of the structure the town would build starting next month.

After all, it was DOH who introduced in the town an innovative health program called the Leaders for Health Program (LHP), a joint project of the health department, Ateneo de Manila Graduate School of Business (AGSB) and Pfizer Philippines.

Since the Salubungan in 2003, the LHP was introduced by the DOH in the Visayas and Manila based doctor volunteers were immediately assigned to Catigbian and Bindoy in Negros Oriental, two Central Visayas beneficiaries, sources revealed.

Salinas implored the government health agency for help in the operation of Bohol’s second town run hospital.

The LHP also empowered Catigbianons, led by local officials to think, feel and behave towards health as authorities developed leaders who champion for health in the community.

During the Commencement Ceremonies for Municipal Health Officers (MHO) held at Ateneo de Manila in Quezon City recently, Salinas found the chance to cast the challenge as he witnessed the granting of a masteral degree to the Catigbian MHO.

Dr. Evangelista earned the degree after 4 years of LHP implementation in Catigbian, as stipulated upon the program inception.

Two years ago, Mayor Salinas received from AGSB a certificate course in governance and so had two of the town’s community health leaders: Marichelle Rulida and Virgilia Sequiña.

Salinas, with the community leaders attended the exercises marking the end of the LHP in the country.

The 4-year program also earned for Catigbian recognition of completion after program implementation since September 2004.

Moreover, the program also earned for Catigbian Dr. Evangelista, 2 years of work with the DOH DTTB program.

The town, in compliance with existing laws has put up local projects for community birthing centers.

The program also assured for the town technical support in the local health plan development and health services innovation as evidenced by the Sentrong Sigla certification and PhilHealth and TeleHealth program expansions, Evangelista said.

Recently, the town under Mayor Salinas entered into an agreement with the World Bank to fund its P15M health center, in its efforts to expand its health services.

The 2 storey hospital building is set to be erected next month, but the town still has to put up operational costs and medical equipment to assure its efficient operation. (rachiu/PIA)

RAISING LOCAL HEALTH CONCERNS, Mayor Roberto Salinas dared the DOH to put up its share in operating the soon to rise P15M Municipal Health Center here. The Mayor’s picture, together with Vice Mayor Digaum and Treasurer Ranufo Suarez however was taken during the recent nutri-month culmination activities.