Proposed SRP site for new CCMC inspected

CEBU, Philippines - The civil society movement, aiming to help the city government build a new and bigger city hospital, yesterday inspected the site earlier eyed in response to the group’s suggestion to transfer the planned Cebu City Medical Center.

South Road Properties Management Office head Roberto “Bo” Varquez accompanied Championing the Advancement, Restoration and Establishment of the CCMC (CARE CCMC) Movement lead convenor and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Shawn Espina in checking the first site located to the right side of the Mambaling access road entering from the reclamation area.

“We just looked at the possible sites there. The one behind SM is most available. But it’s narrow. However, better than the current location. At least there, we can have expansion,” the Cebuano surgeon said.

He added that they have not checked on other potential sites as the others are not available.

“So we’re not pushing our luck, maayo na to,” he said.

While the idea of utilizing the Ramos Public Market surfaced, he said the area could be too small to accommodate  the  proposed  1,000-bed capacity city hospital initially planned to be 10 stories.

The design team, led by the surgeon’s brother Architect Yumi Espina, who is also the dean of University of San Carlos College of Architecture and Fine Arts, is waiting for the final decision in selecting the location of the new CCMC in order for them to start creating the design.

CARE  CCMC Chief Operating Officer Marc Canton explained this endeavor is a convergence of the private and government sectors working together to finally have the hospital that Cebu City residents deserve.

“This is tapping every possible sector willing to help and contribute. It’s like a convergence of society. We call this synergistic approach,” Canton said.

CARE CCMC yesterday announced two initial fund-raising activities including a film showing of “Y Tambien Gayle” organized by the Cebu International Documentary Film Festival and a benefit concert of Cebuano performers organized by Rotary Club Gloria Maris.

The free admission film showing is slated November 23 at Plaza Independencia while the concert on scheduled for January 10 to 11.

Meanwhile, Dr. Espina said while waiting for the next meeting with the mayor, who is in Manila, their group is busy coordinating with chief of hospital Dr. Gloria Duterte in preparing for the planned full operation of the hospital by Friday.

“The mayor left town. We are busy helping the hospital in its current state. We are looking at Friday for full operation. I was able to haggle with Perpetual (Succour Hospital) to accept 30 patients suffering from injuries to be admitted to Perpetual completely free. Please extend our thanks to PSH sisters on behalf of the city government of Cebu,” he said.

As  of   November 3,  the movement has listed at least 23 member organizations composed of doctors, architects and engineers, among others.  (FREEMAN)