Argao gets P70M new hospital bldg

CEBU, Philippines — The new Isidro C. Kintanar Memorial Hospital (ICKMH) in Barangay Bogo, Argao town was inaugurated yesterday.

It has 100 beds and will have new equipment as well. The new hospital building is bigger compared to the old one in Barangay Poblacion, which had only a capacity of 50 beds.

At present, only the administrative building and 25 wardrooms in the new hospital location are finished. These areas will be occupied by some patients and staff today. Most hospital ward operations still remain in their old building because the ward section of the new building is still under construction.

“We believe that our new ICKMH contains an array of services and capabilities that the old can’t provide,” said Chief of Hospital Renato Cairo.

The new hospital costs P70 million. The budget came from the Department of Health under its Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP). Meanwhile, the hospital equipment will be supplied by the provincial government.

“I am confident that the new facilities here at this hospital will radically improve the quality of service and infrastructure for patients and staff both in the immediate future and the years to come,” Cairo said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-7 is targeting to finish the project before the year ends. The construction started in February 2016.

“Let’s continue our objective to really promote health and give the best quality care to our patients in this part of the province,” said Governor Hilario Davide III in his speech.

Argao Mayor Stanley Caminero explained that there was a need to build a new hospital building because the old one was too crowded already. Moreover, the municipal government was also concerned with the environment since the old hospital is located near the shore.

“Difficult pag-dispose, pag-establish sa wastes kay duol man gud sa dagat. Concerns pud sa environment ba,” Caminero stated. (FREEMAN)