Capitol wants private sector partnership for hospitals

CEBU, Philippines- The provincial government wants to partner with the private sector in managing its 16 provincial and district hospitals, as well as in improving the hospitals’ facilities and equipment.

Governor Hilario Davide III disclosed the province’s plan, which was presented to potential Japanese investors present at the 10th International Forum on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Tokyo, Japan on August 4.

“The Province of Cebu is ready to engage and offer prospective investors that right investment environment and opportunities,” the governor was  quoted as saying in a press statement from Capitol.

The international forum was hosted by Toyo University through its Asia Public Private Partnership Institute (APPPI).

The provincial government has been pushing for the improvement of its health facilities and services, being a top priority of Davide Administration.

In fact, Capitol earmarked over P40 million, the biggest appropriation next to the Office of the Governor, for programs and maintenance and operating expenses of the health department.

Capitol is eyeing to upgrade the government-run hospitals to at least level one status.

Currently, 10 out of the 16 hospitals can perform surgery after getting the first level status upgrade. The remaining hospitals are still in the primary care level.

Davide further offered the provinces’ prime lots to investors for development and asked Japan’s technical assistance on engineering and infrastructure aspect, solid waste management, drainage, transport, and disaster risk reduction (DRR) and management, acknowledging the country’s expertise in these areas.

He pointed out the need for the establishment of a DRR resource and command center in the province, considering that disaster preparedness is among its thrusts following the recent calamities that affected Cebu.

“We want to lead the Philippines in this field, and we want it done in Cebu,” he said.

Among those recommended for development is the Cebu South Bus Terminal, which can be transformed for mixed-use development: a bus terminal on the ground floor, a shopping mall on the second floor, and a hotel or condominiums on the upper floors.

“The cost of doing business is affordable. Cebu is also a premier tourist destination. With an even playing field and transparency, investing in Cebu is indeed a better option,” Davide added.

Toyo University sent a team of experts to Cebu last February to explore the possibilities and opportunities in the province in terms of socio-economic development that can be undertaken under PPP scheme.

The main subject areas that were taken under consideration during the conduct of study include disaster preparedness, health services and urban issues such as flood, trash and transportation.

The final results of the study were presented during Davide’s visit to Japan.

The members of the governor’s delegation to Japan include Board Members Peter John Calderon, chair of the committee chair on health; Board Member Christopher Baricuatro, author of Cebu’s Investment Code; and Board Member Jude Thaddeus Durano-Sybico, vice chair of the committee on planning and development.  (FREEMAN)