3 private hospitals eyed to run district hospitals

CEBU - Capitol is doing exploratory talks with at least three private hospitals that may be able to help the province run its district hospitals.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday met with officials of Chong Hua Hospital, Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital and the Perpe-tual Soccour Hospital to discuss the province’s proposed expansion of its district hospitals, in terms of quality of service and healthcare.

As this developed, Capitol consultant on public and private linkages Manolette Dinsay clarified the province does not intend to privatize its hospitals.

Rather, the joint initiative is reportedly only to increase efficiency in the delivery of basic health services, as envisioned by Garcia herself. 

Dinsay said the governor has high regard for the three private hospitals’ expertise and innovative approach in providing health services to the public.

Provincial attorney Marino Martinquilla also echoed Dinsay’s statement, saying working with the private sector can potentially advance the province’s present capability in running its district hospitals.

“This is something to be worked out by the provincial government…an innovative and out-of-the-box idea of the governor,” Martinquilla said.

Integrated Provincial Health Office chief Cristina Giango said the district hospitals in the cities of Carcar and Danao and in Balamban town are being eyed as the pilot provincial health facilities that may benefit from the partnership between the province and the private hospitals.

While the individual managements of the three private hospitals have yet to decide on the proposal, Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital administrator Oscar Tuason said the hospital welcomes the governor’s idea, considering that its objective is to bring quality but affordable health services to the people.

“The idea of the governor is brilliant but whether we can do it or not, it requires more meetings,” Tuason said. —Garry B. Lao/JMO (THE FREEMAN)