ILOILO CITY—Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. is pushing for the creation of a floating clinic that could serve far-flung island communities in northern Iloilo province.
“What we want is a floating rural health unit (RHU),” said Defensor.
Towns in the northern portion of Iloilo province, including Ajuy, Balasan, Barotac Viejo, Batad, Carles, Concepcion, and San Dionisio, have island barangays (villages).
Residents of these island barangays usually face challenges in getting access to medical services, especially in times of emergency because doctors or nurses are mostly found in the mainland.
Over the years, fatalities have been recorded due to a community’s lack of immediate access for medical help.
Defensor admitted though the plan was not easy, and would need huge funding, especially in building the boat that will serve as a floating clinic.
The governor mentioned the proposal for a floating clinic after the provincial government’s sea ambulance was already damaged.
Meanwhile, Defensor vowed that a new sea ambulance will be built soon to serve the needs of the island communities. It will be under the management of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force.