• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Board approved Monday the creation of three sub-provincial health systems out of the six inter-local health zones in compliance with the provisions of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.
Lacson said the first and second districts will be merged into one sub-provincial health system (SPHS), third and fourth districts into another, and fifth and sixth districts as the third SPHS.
Discussed during the meeting held at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City, the mayors have agreed to it since the success of the UHC program is dependent on the support of the provincial government, Lacson said.
Under the UHC program, all Filipinos will be enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program for them to access government health services such as medicines, diagnostic tests and primary health care.
With the merging of inter-local health zones, Lacson said there will be at least Level 1 and 2 hospitals that will cater to the healthcare needs of Negrenses.
The provincial government is targeting to make Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City into a Level 3 hospital, and the Cadiz District Hospital, Lorenzo Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City, and Valladolid District Hospital into Level 2 hospitals.
Also yesterday, the Metro Third District mayors signed a memorandum of agreement for the inter-local government unit cooperation of the Northern and Central Inter-Health Zone.
It was signed by Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego, Murcia Mayor Gerardo Rojas, with Councilor Edgardo Agravante Jr., representing E.B. Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, and Assistant City Administrator Ismael Penado, on behalf of Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares along with Dr. Mary Ann Maestral, hospital chief of Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital, and Adrian Hort Ramos, who represented the Department of Health. | GB
