Mindanaotoday.com | Gov. Oaminal vows to boost health services in MisOcc
By: Shaine Mae Nagtalon
“A healthy life leads to a happy and prosperous community, meanwhile, healthy communities result in a stronger local economy,” he said.
The governor also shared that it is his aspiration to see the lives of Misamisnons be uplifted and public service is a platform to lead and serve the province.
In his first SOPA, Oaminal highlighted the accomplishments of the Asenso Misamis Occidental administration in the past 120 days, as well as the prospective directions of the province in the next three years.
“We seek to uplift the quality of life of Misamisnons mainly by promoting and investing in agriculture, fishery, and eco-cultural tourism programs as this is aligned to the regions strategic development agenda where Misamis Occidental belongs to development cluster two which is “agri-fishery and eco-cultural tourism,” he said.
In tandem with this is the strengthening of social services through the provision of free and/or affordable health, education and other social services, he added.
“We have already provided a total of P11,655,030.18 financial support to 1,070 patients seeking medical examination, consultation, treatment and rehabilitation and those confined in government and private hospitals,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, financial assistance was extended to families in crisis situations, worth P5.3 million to 750 beneficiaries.
For years, the provincial hospital has experienced problems in delivery of health services including lack of medical supplies, medical doctors among others.
“Right now, we have transformed Misamis Occidental Provincial Health (MOPH) into an enhanced and more service-oriented hospital where our constituents will feel the care and concern of the provincial government. Renovations were likewise being undertaken in our Calamba District Hospital, Jimenez Medicare Community Hospital, Tudela Municipal Hospital and Doña Maria D. Tan Memorial Hospital,” he added.
A groundbreaking was also done in October this year to start construction of the P1 billion 500-bed capacity Asenso Misamis Occidental Medical Center, which will be completed with state of the art medical equipment as a landmark for Misamis Occidental.
Further, the national government also provided medical funds to the province.
Oaminal said the province received P198 million worth of Malasakit and medical assistance funds from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which will aid free hospitalization for Misamisnons.
As to Covid-19 vaccination, the province leaped from 72.99% to 88.67% for herd immunity and 73% for category A2 (senior citizens), as of October 8, 2022.
“In fact, the Department of Health has recognized our efforts because in northern Mindanao, we have recorded the highest vaccination rate for the A2 category (senior citizens). Also worthy to note that there are 39 barangays that were able to reach 80% or more for 1st booster coverage as of this report,” Oaminal said.
The last election brought the Oaminals a “tsunami” victory with his sons Sancho Fernando “Ando” Oaminal, who won as the 2nd District Representative of the province and Lawyer Indy Oaminal, Mayor of Ozamiz City, but, alongside is a high expectation from the people.
“What have I done so far to the people of Misamis Occidental? I look back with pride. But also a challenge to all of us to effectively deliver our respective mandate,” Oaminal said.
Oaminal’s administration will focus on the need for hospital services, adequate hospital facilities, lack of medicines, medical supplies and doctors.
This, as the Covid-19 pandemic affected the province and people experienced scarcity of food.
He however emphasized that the province will be guided with the mantra, ‘leadership with a direction.’ (SMRN | PIA-10 | Misamis Occidental)
####