Guest Speaker During 2-day Bohol Health Summit
Department of Health (DOH) Sec. Janette Garin congratulated leadership in Bohol for investing in health as she addressed local chief executives, chiefs of hospitals, municipal health officers, and other health service providers from rural health units at the conclusion of the 2-day Bohol Health Summit.
Garin said Bohol’s commitment in terms of delivering health care and services is beyond compare. Accepting the invitation to speak at the health summit, she explained, more than respect for Gov. Edgar Chatto, a colleague and mentor, is her show of recognition for Local Government Units like Bohol who care for health care.
The Health Secretary stated participation and cooperation of LGUs are key factors for health programs to prosper and went on to commend Bohol for its achievements and developments in health as bannered in the HEAT IT Bohol agenda.
She emphasized Bohol’s advantage in transcending executive-legislative, down to barangay and private sector linkages and even political color in delivering health care to its people, making implementation of DOH interventions effective.
In addition to competence, Garin sees in Boholano leaders and health service providers, commitment and compassion, which she says are important in delivering immediate inclusive interventions for impact.
Among health programs in Bohol, aside from LGU complementation through personnel support for DOH infrastructure and facilities projects, she cited district hospitals, a health service delivery network, and a hospital system as Bohol’s contribution to achievements in health.
She highlighted complementation of interventions such as in the DOH provision of infrastructure and facilities and the support of LGU by hiring personnel, thereby maximizing the implementation of health programs.
Garin also attended the inauguration of the P21M St. Michael Wing of the Teodoro Galagar District Hospital in Jagna.
The opening of the new ward upgrades the Jagna District Hospital from a 25-bed capacity hospital to a 50-bed capacity hospital, according to Hospital Chief Dr. Mike Jayoma.
Garin underscored primary focus of health interventions in TB DOTS, maternal and child care, and basic medical check-up but also the importance of universal health care through Philhealth as she gamely responded to queries during the open forum.
Earlier, DOH officials also clarified that the construction of the new Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital will proceed. Although MGB has already given the go signal for the area, boring tests prior to the construction will be done to ensure structural integrity. (Leah/EDCOM)