• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said the construction of the BUCAS (Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service) Plus Center, worth P50 million, is eyed for completion in nine months.
“Within nine months (dapat) matapos na ini nga proyekto…para magamit sang pumuluyo…to further improve health services in the city,” Gasataya said at the signing of the memorandum of agreement Aug. 12 between the city and the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH).
Under the MOA valid for five years, the 3,243 square-meter city property at Dawis, where the DAR office used to be, will be used by CLMMRH as an “extension for its urgent care and ambulatory service center…primarily the construction, operation, maintenance, and management of the service center and, secondarily, for related health facilities”.
CLMMRH Medical Center chief, Dr. Joan Cerrada, who signed the MOA, thanked the city for providing the lot and the two-storey building, adding the center will initially have 15 beds. They are also planning to provide telemedicine services and a facility for HIV/AIDS consultation and treatment.
Department of Health Undersecretary Mary Ann Maestral said the DOH will provide the manpower, equipment, and supplies.
The center in Bacolod is the first in the Negros Island Region, and is among the 53 BUCAS facilities eyed nationwide.
Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Benitez said the government’s zero-billing policy will also apply at BUCAS.
The city said services at BUCAS will include surgical operations for tumor, breast and cataracts, gynecology and obstetrics services, vaccinations, telemedicine, an HIV clinic extension, cancer screening, tuberculosis screening and management, consultations for diabetes and hypertension, mental health support, dental and urgent care, and treatment hubs and laboratory tests.
“Patients will have access to medicines through the in-house pharmacy,” the city said, adding that BUCAS aims to provide rapid care for non-critical cases and ease overcrowding and strain on hospitals. | CGC
