The return of the Valeriano M. Gatuslao Memorial Hospital in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, into a non-COVID hospital was requested by Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson Jr.
In his letter to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, through Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, Tongson cited the steady decrease of COVID-19 cases in Negros Occidental, based on its cumulative report from March 27, 2020 to Nov. 25 this year.
With this positive development, Tongson appealed to Lacson that the hospital, which was designated a COVID-19 center, be reverted to its original purpose as a district hospital.
“The reversion would mean a lot, not only for Himamaylanons but mostly for people in the 5th District having non-COVID related concerns and illnesses, since they would no longer be compelled to go to Kabankalan City to seek medical assistance,” Tongson said.
“As mayor of Himamaylan and as chairman of the South-Central Negros Interlocal Health Zone, I strongly appeal that this urgent request will merit your favorable and prompt response,” he added.
The district hospitals of Cadiz City and Valladolid are the two other designated COVID-19 hospitals in Negros Occidental. — GB
