DOH to turn over P195 M for health, birthing centers

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health will soon turn over around P195 million for the improvement of health and birthing centers as well as district hospitals across Cebu.

Around P90 million has been allocated for the 29 rural health centers and 19 district hospitals in the province.

The rest of the amount is allocated for health and birthing centers in Cebu City and for DOH-retained hospitals.

DOH-7 director Dr. Susana Madarieta said the rest of LGUs in the province will still get assistance in next year’s budget.

Madarieta said the Statement or Appropriations and Release Order (SARO) will be released by the Department of Budget and Management in May.

Funds are sourced from the DOH budget and some Cebuano congressmen.

Madarieta informed Garcia that the funds will be downloaded to the provincial coffers.

Of the funds, more than P113 million is intended for infrastructure while more than P80 million is for equipment.

Garcia expressed thanked for the assistance, saying that the provincial government is constructing birthing centers and improving rural health centers across the province.

Garcia met with Madarieta yesterday to inquire if DOH has standard design and specification in the construction of birthing centers to be accredited by the PhilHealth.

But Madarieta said there is none as long as it is operational. – (FREEMAN)