VSMMC has new chief of hospital

The former chief of hospital of the Eversley Child Sanitarium in Jagobiao, Mandaue City now sits as new chief of hospital of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

Dr. Gerardo Aquino replaces Dr. Filomena delos Santos who retired from service at age 65. Delos Santos was appointed chief of VSMMC last July 21, 2003.

Dr. Joel Primo Alvis, the chief of clinics of VSMMC, on the other hand, has replaced Aquino as the sanitarium chief.

At the turnover ceremony yesterday, Aquino said that it takes courage to face the challenges and to look at these challenges as opportunities for change, control and commitment to the job.

Aquino said that his commitment is to be more participative in his leadership as hospital chief in order to deliver better services to the people.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque led the oathtaking and turnover ceremony yesterday.

In an interview yesterday, Duque said that health officials in the country will meet with their ASEAN counterparts in the summit to discuss about HIV/AIDS, which is one of the major agenda.

Duque said that they will be comparing the status of HIV/AIDS in Asia from Western countries. "Prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Asia has not worsened according to Duque; in fact, the Philippines is one of the lowest in Asia," he said. - Jasmin R. Uy