• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Ospital sa Kabarangayan sang Bacolod, or the Bacolod Infirmary-Vista Alegre, has been allocated P41.71 million in the P3.6 billion proposed budget of the city government for next year.
In the 2024 Local Expenditure Program submitted by Mayor Alfredo Benitez to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the Vista Alegre Infirmary is targeted to provide high quality, cost-effective, accessible, and compassionate healthcare services to the people of Bacolod.
Bulk of the proposed infirmary budget, or P32.99 million, is earmarked for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), P4.71 million in personal services, and P4 million for medical equipment, furniture and fixtures, and vehicles, among others.
The health facility will serve the urgent and emergency needs of residents, as well as outpatient services, like consultation, wound treatment and dressing, minor surgery and referral services, birthing/lying-in and neonatal care, laboratory services, and diagnostic imaging services.
“This administration remains steadfast in having the health sector as one of its primary concentrations,” Benitez said, adding that while his centerpiece program, the Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP), has been integral in making health services accessible to the common man, “we will not stop our efforts until we are sure that no Bacolodnon is deprived or left out”.
He said he plans on decongesting hospitals through the construction of super health centers, which shall serve as mini hospitals equipped with ultrasound machines, operating rooms for minor surgeries, laboratory and ward beds.
Aside from the infirmary, other facilities under the health services sector, with the City Health Office as lead department, are the lying-in and birthing home center, and mental healthcare facility, all allotted a total of P387 million in the proposed 2024 budget.
“Additionally, we will upgrade our existing facilities and the City Health Complex, and will equip our health centers with 24-hour access to telemedicine facilities to promote the use of online doctor consultations thru e-Konsulta,” Benitez added. | CGC
