ILOILO CITY – A P12-million super health center will soon rise in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.
“This is medium-sized type poly-clinic. This will serve as extension of what municipal health centers can offer,” said Sen. Bong Go after the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, June 7, in Barangay San Juan.
“A super health center can serve for birthing services, dental, ultra sounds, vaccinations,” added Go, who facilitated the project as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health.
SEN. Bong Go (center) lays the time capsule during the ground breaking for the super health center in Barotac Viejo town, Iloilo province on Wednesday, June 8. (Tara Yap)
Go said that super health centers will give easier access to medical services for residents in areas that may be far from rural health units (RHUs) or even district hospitals.
Implemented by the Department of Health (DOH), the super health center has an initial funding of P10 million for the construction and P2 million for the purchase of equipment.
“There’s an additional P2 million for the equipment,” said Barotac Viejo Mayor Nielo “Bong-Bong” Tupas.
Tupas said that the super health center will benefit those who need immediate medical services.
He noted that the highway outside this super health center is accident-prone as well as near coastal barangays.
“This is a big help in terms of emergency medical response,” Tupas added.
Also present during the groundbreaking were Iloilo Rep. Raul “Boboy” Tupas, Iloilo Provincial Board Member Binky Montesclaros-Tupas, Vice Mayor Ulysses Valdez, municipal councilors, DOH officials, Iloilo Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, and actor Phillip Salvador.