MANILA — It’s all systems go for the construction of Dagupan City’s super health center in Barangay Bolosan following the groundbreaking ceremony last Wednesday (23 Feb 2023) led by Department of Health Ilocos Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco and Dagupan City Mayor Mayor Belen T. Fernandez.
The super family health center (SFHC) was funded through the general appropriations act (GAA) of 2021 and has a complete budget of ₱15M. It is the first super health center in Ilocos Region.
The center will be equipped with an OPD consultation, pharmacy, dental clinic, primary clinical laboratory, radiology services (x-ray, ECG, ultrasound) and a minor operating room.
Director Sydiongco said that there are 15 super health centers under the 2022 GAA and 18 for the 2023 GAA, for a total of 34 SHCs.
“These will all be funded through the health facility enhancement program (HFEP). Sila ang magsisilbing primary care facility sa mga komunidad dahil dito ay pwede nang magpagamot ang mga pasyenteng mayroong hindi malalang sakit at mabibigyan naman ng tamang referral ang mga pasyenteng nangangailangan ng espesyalista at mas mataas na antas ng pagpapagamot,” Sydiongco, who hails from Leyte, said.
“These centers will enable local government units to provide basic health care services and accommodate patients needing minor surgery, These will also serve as referral centers in the community for patients needing specialized health care services.”
The 1,720-square meter lot in which the super family health center will be built was donated by the city government of Dagupan through a Sangguniang Panlungsod resolution and the lot for its right of way was donated by philanthropist, Dr. Ashok Vasandani.
Mayor Fernandez expressed her gratitude to the regional office for the untiring support in the implementation of different health service projects for Dagupeños amidst economic and health crises.
“This center will be a part of the city government’s goal to sustain the assistance extended to the community, most especially to the underprivileged sector, which have limited to no means of providing for their medical necessities and emergencies,” Fernandez said.
“Health care is one of our top priorities and with the establishment of the SFHC, the residents of barangays Bolosan, Salisay, Mangin, Tebeng, Tambac and Mamalingling will be assured of quality and essential services.”
“We will equip our Super Family Health Center with able doctors, nurses and allied professionals as well as medical supplies and facilities. Itong groundbreaking ang umpisa ng ating mithiin upang mapalakas at madagdagan pa ang ating Unliserbisyo sa Kalusugan,” Fernandez added.
The city government of Dagupan will also provide a ₱1M budget for the inclusion of a birthing facility.
(Amado Inigo/MTVN)
