Caloocan City hospital now open

The President Diosdado Macapagal Memorial Medical Center (PDMMMC) in Caloocan City officially opened to the public last Friday.

Dr. Ederlinda Fiesta, the hospital’s administrator, explained that the P200-million four-story edifice started operation only last week due to the delay in obtaining the much needed facilities.

Fiesta assured residents, however, that the hospital’s services would be available to everybody, especially the underprivileged, as it would be managed by the city government and not by a private entity.

"The hospital’s vision is to extend better health services to all, especially to Caloocan City residents," Fiesta told The STAR.

The PDMMMC is located along A. Mabini street at the site of the former Ospital ng Caloocan. The hospital has 100 beds with two suites, 10 pay wards, and 12 charity wards. It is also equipped with an elevator and other modern facilities for the convenience of its patients and health workers.

It has specialty clinics for diabetics, pulmunology, neurology, pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology, internal medicine, general surgery and physical therapy.

Fiesta said that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), through the initiative of President Arroyo, has donated P50-million worth of equipment the hospital.

At least P27-million worth of equipment had already arrived from the United States and the others are expected to be delivered before the end of this month, head nurse Sally de la Cruz said.

Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo ordered the hiring of at least 100 utility men to maintain cleanliness in the hospital.

The hospital’s blessings and inauguration coincided with the completion of Malonzo’s two other major projects — the Judicial Hall on 10th Avenue, and the Commercial Toll Parking and Business Complex in front of the City Hall. – Pete Laude