Cebu PB eyes selling properties
CEBU, Philippines - Selling province-owned properties is among the options the Provincial Board is looking at to raise revenue to finance health services not covered by the 2014 annual appropriations.
The PB finished yesterday the budget hearing for the proposed P2.6 billion annual budget submitted by Governor Hilario Davide III for ratification.
During the course of the hearing, it was learned that the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the 16 district hospitals of Cebu has not hired needed personnel and delivered some basic services due to lack of funding.
Board Member Grecilda Sanchez, committee on budget and appropriations head, however, said it is for to Davide to decide on their suggestion.
“Basta mangita gyud ta og kwarta (We would really look for funding source),†Sanchez said.
She said that what Davide has proposed is a “conservative and realistic budgetâ€. She said other suggestions include asking the National Government for assistance to fund different programs and projects of the province.
Dr. Cynthia Genesolango, PHO acting chief, informed the PB yesterday that the 16 district hospitals are still primary care facilities.
The hospitals, though, need to be categorized as Level 1 to be accredited by the Department of Health.
Genesolango lobbied to have at least 40 percent of the district hospitals to be accredited as level 1 next year. They, however, cannot proceed since submission of documentary requirements for 2014 already starts this month.
“Hopefully by 2015,†she said.
The PB members were also informed that some patients are paying for the fuel of ambulances in going to hospitals in Cebu City because the fuel allocation for district hospitals is not enough.
Board Member Thaddeus Jude Sybico said the lack of budget for fuel should be addressed.
Board Member Miguel Antonio Magpale agreed, saying that in the case of the Danao City District Hospital, the ambulance is made to wait for other patients before leaving for Cebu City, as if the vehicle is a van-for-hire, just to save fuel.
Board Member Peter John Calderon asked the PHO to be service-oriented in dealing with patients despite the limited resources of the Province.
He also challenged the chiefs of hospitals to motivate their personnel to give excellent service to patients.—(FREEMAN)
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