22 health units in CV get seal of excellence

Many are standing, but only a few are outstanding. This aptly describes the 22 rural health units that have been awarded the Sentrong Sigla seal of excellence for quality health services in the region.

DOH regional director Susana Madarietta said that of the given figure, 20 municipalities were adjudged as outstanding for their rural health units which delivered quality services to its constituents. These include provincial hospitals, district hospitals and rural health units in the 20 municipalities in the region.

These municipalities are Argao, Aloguinsan, Boljoon, Borbon, Malabuyoc, Liloan, Pilar in Camotes Island, and Madridejos in Bantayan Island, Cebu.

In Bohol, the municipalities of Guindulman, Talibon, Tubigon, San Isidro and Trinidad have received said seal of excellence.

In Negros, awarded are Canlaon City, Vallehermoso, Guihulngan, La Libertad and Jimalalud while the municipality of Maria in Siquijor is also a recipient of the Sentrong Sigla seal.

Aside from the seal of excellence, these health facilities were also awarded additional funds to further improve infrastructure, equipment and services.

The Sentrong Sigla Movement is a nationwide initiative of the Department of Health in partnership with the LGUs. Its aim is to improve health services in facilities that are most accessible to the majority of the population.

One of the movement's main components is the certification and recognition program that develops and promotes standards for government health facilities.

Health facilities granted the Sentrong Sigla seal are based on eight quality standards/criteria - infrastructure and amenities, such as regular supply of potable water, available and functional toilets and latrines; basic health services such as immunization, weighing and monitoring of children's growth; attitude and behavior of health workers in delivering services; sufficient number of trained staff; equipment for examining patients and basic laboratory capability; sufficient drugs, medicines and supplies; health information system; and community intervention.

In order for a health facility to be certified and provided with the Sentrong Sigla seal, a health facility should request for an assessment from the Regional Health Office. The RHO, in turn, will endorse a list of qualified facilities to the DOH central office for validation. Once a facility is certified, it is re-assessed and monitored twice a year. If the facility fails to maintain standards for two consecutive rating periods, the seal is removed until the facility meets again the standard during the next rating period. - Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV