VSMMC pedia building inaugurated

CEBU, Philippines - Former senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri has reiterated his position against the privatization of 26 government hospitals in the country, including Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City.

Zubiri yesterday led the inauguration of the P30 million worth Pediatric Pavillion of the VSMMC that was funded by his Priority Development Assistance Fund before he resigned as senator in 2011.

The equipment have to be provided by Evslin Foundation and is being facilitated by Rotary International.

Dr. Gerardo Aquino, VSMMC chief, said the building could accommodate 80 to 100 pediatric patients - from infants to 14 years old.

Zubiri is seeking another mandate for the Senate this May 13 elections. He vowed to continue giving support to VSMMC by giving more funds for upgrading of equipment and more funds for indigent patients.

He said that transforming state-run hospitals into business in which health services and facilities will eventually become an expensive commodity will further deprive the poorest of the poor of the much needed medical and health care services.

“While I am still alive, while I am still on my feet, it will not happen, they’re going to have to put me in a box before that’s going to happen,” Zubiri said.

If elected, Zubiri will push for the universal health care program in which the quality of services all over the country should be the same like the taste of a particular fast food chain.

In his speech, Zubiri also assured of decent salaries and allowances for medical practitioners.

Assistant Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial announced that this year is remarkable for the Department of Health having the biggest budget ever at P53 billion.

She said that with the Sin Taxes coming in, they expect more health programs for the Filipinos.

Zubiri also assured to triple the funds he has provided for indigent patients at VSMMC and also at Cebu City Medical Center.

With his experience at VSMMC, Zubiri said he will intend to replicate it in Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas and in Mindanao to put a pediatric center for each region.

He vowed to continue working with the Rotary International and the Evslin Foundation in providing the facilities. (FREEMAN)