Governor Lilia G. Pineda declared that the people of Arayat town may now enjoy improved hospital facilities and services with the recent inauguration of the Dr. Emigdio Cruz, Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Barangay Lacquios.
Upgraded in the amount of P9.7 million, the hospital has a 25-bed capacity and it features a private room, a storeroom where supplies are safely kept, a motorpool/garage, and a dormitory for hospital personnel.
“Kasama ito sa ating pagnanais na maisaayos ang pasilidad ng mga ospital sa probinsya at mas mapagsilbihan ang mga nangangailangan ng serbisyong medikal,” Pineda stated.
She also emphasized that efficient medical services for her constituents should include upgraded hospital buildings, modern equipment, very good hospital staff and medical specialists.
The governor advised the hospital staff “Mahirap ang magkaroon ng karamdaman, kaya dapat maayos ang pakikitungo sa mga pasyente upang di na madagdagan pa ang paghihirap nila”.
Mayor Luis Espino of Arayat lauded the governor for her continuing efforts in upgrading hospitals, among other infrastructure, in the province, to give people the high quality services that they need.
“Ako, si Vice-Mayor Larry Trinidad at ang Sangguniang Bayan ay malaki ang pasasalamat sa gobernadora at sa pamunuan ng lalawigan dahil sa ipinakikitang pagmamalasakit sa pangangailangan ng mga mamamayan, lalo na sa Arayat.”
Dr. Benjamin Simbol, Jr., chief of hospital, revealed the result of a report from the National Children’s Hospital (NCH) in Manila, stating that “there is a big decrease in the number of patients being referred to from the province”.
From among provinces in Luzon, Pampanga used to have the third biggest number of referrals of patients to the NCH. Now, the recent report said, it has dropped to sixth place, which Simbol explained, is “reflective of the improved ability of local hospitals to address the medical needs of the children-patients in the province”.
Simbol also requested the governor and mayors to enroll their constituents in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) so that patients and the local hospitals may enjoy the benefits that would accrue from same. (Eloisa P. Galang, Pampanga PIO)
