(MIO CATARMAN, NORTHERN SAMAR FACEBOOK FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas has formally turned over a newly built Super Health Center (SHC) to the local government of Catarman, Northern Samar, marking a major step in improving access to primary healthcare in the province.
The turnover ceremony, held in Barangay Dalakit last Oct.8, was led by Catarman Mayor Dianne Rosales and DOH Provincial Officer Dr. Rommel Francisco, who represented DOH Regional Director Exuperia Sabalberino.
Personnel from the Municipal Health and Engineering Offices also attended the event.
The newly inaugurated facility is equipped with modern medical services and diagnostic tools, including X-ray, obstetric ultrasound, ECG, outpatient consultation rooms, maternal and child care services, laboratory and diagnostic areas, birthing facilities, emergency treatment rooms, a pharmacy, and other essential health services.
Mayor Rosales expressed deep gratitude to the DOH and Director Sabalberino for funding the project, describing the new center as “a gift and privilege for the people of Catarman.”
“It is also a challenge because of our limited manpower, but we are working on it,” the mayor said, assuring residents of her administration’s commitment to maximize the center’s operations.
Dr. Myrna Trongcoso, the Municipal Health Officer, said preparations are underway to ensure the SHC operates 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday, serving not only Catarman residents but also patients from nearby barangays and municipalities.
“This facility can serve around 20,000 residents and will also function as a YAKAP Center,” Dr. Trongcoso said, referring to the DOH’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, a partnership with PhilHealth designed to deliver preventive and accessible healthcare to communities.
Dr. Francisco added that the DOH plans to deploy additional health workers to support the center’s operations. “People should consult doctors even when they feel well. Early checkups allow for proper health assessment and prevention,” he emphasized.
Barangay chairman Frine Arillo committed to assign barangay tanods to help secure the facility, while Dr. John Ezekiel Valera of the Provincial Health Office urged health personnel to uphold compassion and professionalism in dealing with patients.
The P10-million Super Health Center was funded by the DOH during the administration of former Mayor Francisco Aurelio Rosales III, with the local government providing the land and contributing an additional P7 million for Phase 2 of the project, which covered plumbing, electrical works, transformers, generator sets, and air-conditioning units.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
