Lapu-Lapu immunization ‘highest in CV’

CEBU, Philippines – Saying health is crucial for the Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Paz Radaza said her administration provided the public the needed health care.

In Central Visayas, Lapu-Lapu City is said to have the highest immunization penetration rate for ages 0 to 12 months old, according to the mayor.

From 2006 to 2014, the city has been consistent in having the lowest malnutrition rate of 1.28 percent, said Radaza in a recent speech.

Distribution of milk, rice and vitamin supplementation and other health needs were also given and catered to children, as well as to the pregnant and lactating mothers to lessen the poor health rate of the city.

The city recorded 278 cases of dengue in the first half of  2013. "This year, it is down by 37 percent with no death reported," Radaza said.

She added that the city has been a recipient of a P10-million health facility enhancement program from the Department of Health allowing hospitals in Barangay Santa Rosa in Olango Island to upgrade to a level 1 rank.

In her recent speech, Radaza disclosed another P500,000 was received from DOH-Center for Health Development for the city's STI/HIV-AIDS program.

"To provide our fellow Oponganons with easy access to good health, the city has allocated P8 million for the health insurance of our indigent families," she said.

With the city's aim in promoting health among the residents, medical services are improved and hospital wards are renovated to maintain the health institution's rank of level 1, she added.

About 22,000 in-patients have been served at the city hospitals and for out-patients, around 60,000 medical consultations and 11,000 dental sessions were rendered.