…as it denies CCMC’s wish to use savings for “lack of drugs”

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council has turned down Cebu City Medical Center’s (CCMC) request to use an unspent P3.4 million drugs and medicine fund for medical, dental and laboratory supplies.

CCMC Officer-in-charge Dr. Gloria Duterte and OIC City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas attended the city council session yesterday to convince its members on the merit of the request.

But City Councilor Gerry Carillo said money intended for drugs and medicine cannot be used to augment funds for medical, dental and laboratory supplies, such as plasters, gloves, and needles, because of “numerous complaints” from the patients on the lack of medicines.

Duterte, though, said CCMC has lots of drugs and medicines the council should not worry at all.

CCMC has saved P7.7 million from its P18-million quarterly supplemental budget. It sought approval from the city council to use the money for its miscellaneous medical services program.

Of the amount P2.3 million, is for offices supplies and other maintenance and operating expenses to purchase foam, leatherette, stretchers, medical chart holder; fee for the cleaning of hospital beddings; payment for additional laundry services requests; and hospital accreditation program.

Savings from janitorial services totaling P2 million would be used to pay for additional office supplies, such toners for  risograph and photocopying machines, mimeographing papers, and batteries. Saved amount from subsistence supplies for patients amounting to P130,000 would be used for office supplies and for security services.

The council eventually approved the request to realign CCMC’s savings, except on the use of the P3.4 million from the drug and medicine fund.

 It reminded Cuevas that the amount should never be touched for other purposes aside from purchasing medicines and drugs.

Also, asked by City Councilor Margot Osmeña if the City has enough money in its coffers, Cuevas said it has.

“We will have a lot of money today kay ang (because) Bigfoot (Global Solutions) magbayad karon og (is paying us) 29,000 dollars,” Cuevas said.

In 2007, Bigfoot started leasing a two-hectare property at the South Road Properties for P5 million a year for 25 years.— (FREEMAN)