Suan vows to fast-track Cordova hospital completion

CEBU, Philippines — To help decongest neighboring healthcare facilities and improve access to medical services for residents, the Municipality of Cordova is accelerating efforts to complete and operationalize its long-delayed community hospital.

Mayor Cesar Suan expressed optimism that the hospital will soon open, saying the local government is now laying down the final groundwork for its completion after resolving a major issue that stalled the project for years.

Suan said the hospital building had already been constructed in previous years but could not be utilized due to the absence of a road right of way, which made access to the facility impossible.

“Actually dugay na kaayo ni nga previous pa kaayo ni nga administration… siguro mga tulo ka lain-lain na mayors nga natukod ni nga building pero ang nahitabo man gud is gitukod una ang building unya walay kalsada,” Suan said.

The mayor said that upon assuming office in 2022, his administration prioritized securing road access to finally make the hospital usable.

“So when I assumed the office last 2022… amoang gi una nga naka palit og road right of way,” he said, adding that improvements were also made with support from the congressional office.

“With the help of Congresswoman Daphne (Lagon), nabuhatan siya og drainage, mas nindot na kaayo nga kalsada karon. So ready na gyud,” Suan added.

Suan said the provincial government has committed to assist in the project, particularly in funding and renovation, following the municipality’s formal request and resolution.

He explained that funding will be released in phases, as a single lump sum cannot be directly transferred to the municipality.

“Niingon man gud siya tabangan… we will allocate this amount pero ato ni gi buak-buak,” Suan said.

Renovation of the facility is expected to take place throughout the year, with the Provincial Engineering Office leading the works alongside contractors.

The mayor said the local government is eyeing a trial operation by the first quarter of next year once renovations are completed.

“Next year, first quarter, mag-trial operation mi sa hospital,” Suan said.

He added that preparations are also underway in terms of staffing, including hiring doctors and conducting training programs.

Suan said one of the key concerns raised to the provincial government is the operational cost of the hospital, particularly the salaries of medical personnel.

He estimated that staffing expenses alone could reach around P2.8 million monthly.

“Kaya namo nga modala or manage sa hospital, ang concern lang nako is the salary of all the staff… it will be 2.8 million,” he said.

The mayor requested provincial assistance for at least the first two years of operation while the hospital establishes its financial sustainability.

According to Suan, the municipality plans to enroll the hospital under Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and seek additional funding support through the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) program.

He said these mechanisms are expected to help generate revenue and sustain operations in the long term.

“After two years makatigom nasad mi gikan sa bayad sa PhilHealth… ma-sustain naman ang funds namo,” he said.

The hospital is located in Barangay Pilipog and is initially planned to operate as a primary care facility.

To fast-track approval, the local government has applied for it to be classified as an infirmary during its initial phase.

“Ang amoa gi-applyan karon is primary mani siya to start up… it’s a 10 beds capacity para paspas ang approval,” Suan said.

Despite starting as a 10-bed facility, Suan said the hospital has the capacity to expand and cater to more patients in the future.

He added that plans are already in place to upgrade it into a Level 1 hospital, which would allow it to handle more complex procedures, including major surgeries.

“Next year… mag Level 1 na hospital na siya para makadawat nata og major surgery,” he said.

Suan emphasized that the hospital will significantly ease the burden on nearby healthcare facilities, particularly in Lapu-Lapu City, where many Cordova residents currently seek treatment.

“Dako gud kaayo [ang impact],” he said.

He noted that Lapu-Lapu hospitals have already felt the strain of accommodating patients from Cordova.

“Nireklamo ang Lapu-Lapu, dako kaayo og impact,” he added.

The mayor explained that Cordova residents face challenges in accessing provincial hospitals due to geographic and administrative limitations.

He said that major hospitals, like Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, are not easily accessible to Cordovahanons, while other provincial facilities are located far from the municipality.

“Sa una moadto pami’g Eversley… moadto mi’g Danao, nya pirteng layoa sa amoa,” Suan said.

Suan also noted that the current leadership of Governor Pamela Baricuatro has placed strong emphasis on healthcare, which helped push the project’s revival. (CEBU NEWS)