Cebu City Health turns 36, to improve services

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Health Department vows to improve the services to the Cebuanos, as it turned 36 yesterday.

The celebration that carries the theme “Moving Forward through Unity and Cooperation” kicked off with a mass presided by Fr. Cresencio Ubod.

The City Health’s services yesterday were temporarily stopped at 2 p.m. to give way for the celebration.

City Health Office-in-Charge Alma Corpin said the celebration is for the employees to enjoy and to promote unity and cooperation.

The different associations among physicians, midwives, medical technologists, dentists, nurses and the sanitation inspections showcased their talent during the program.

In her inspirational message, Corpin encouraged the City Health employees not to get demoralized despite the number of complaints they received through the government’s complaints’ hotline 8888.

Corpin said their office has instituted changes that include PhilHealth accreditation of some services, like treatment of tuberculosis (TB Dots) and the treatment and management of animal bite cases.

Last February, a ground breaking ceremony for the P19.9-million building was held.  The budget came from the Department of Health (DOH) national office.

The construction of the building has already started.

“Hopefully mahuman na sya by this year or next year.  Kay maglisod na ang uban client, di nato ma-accommodate sa kadaghan,” Corpin said.

The first floor would be their supply office and pharmacy; the 2nd floor would have the laboratory room, while the 3rd floor would house their administrative offices.

Corpin also admitted that there is already a P15-million budget to build another three-story building.  The DOH national office also funded the project.

The second building will be used for their extension of the social hygiene and HIV/AIDS clinic, pharmacy extension and stock room, and offices for the employees.

“We already have confirmatory lab and treatment hub for HIV.  That is why we are doing all our best to be accredited by the PhilHealth to support this project,” Corpin said.

She added that PhilHealth will set aside P30,000 for each HIV patient that seeks treatment at the Cebu City Health.  — Carl James Cabarles/GAN (FREEMAN)