Argao to build new hospital

CEBU, Philippines - A new hospital will soon be constructed in the municipality of Argao, the hometown of Gov. Hilario Davide III, following the release of P70 million from the Department of Health.

Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos said that they never thought that the money would come since the plan to transfer the existing hospital was started two years.

Galeos said that the DOH asked them to fast track the construction otherwise the funds will be reverted back to the national coffers by the end of this year.

He said that they are targeting January next year to start the construction and they are eyeing a lot in barangay Bogo to be the site, around four kilometers from the existing Isidro Kintanar Memorial Hospital.

However, they still have to look for funds to acquire the lot prompting Galeos and Vice Mayor Stanley Caminero to seek the assistance of the provincial government.

Davide assured that the Capitol will help in the lot acquisition knowing that it is a province-owned facility but funded by DOH.

“Kung madayun na, it can serve not only in Argao even Dalaguete, Alcoy and Boljoon,” Davide said.

Galeos explained that there is already inconvenience in the location the existing hospital being near the church and within the declared heritage and tourism area.

The name of the 25-bed hospital would remain in the new one with the same bed capacity, said Galeos.

Galeos also clarified that the P70 million is only for the infrastructure and without the hospital equipment.—(FREEMAN)