A government-run hospital in Bangui town, Ilocos Norte is now ready to admit and treat more patients with at least three new added facilities to improve its public healthcare system.

Funded jointly by the national and provincial governments, the Bangui District Hospital, the second largest public hospital in the province, recently inaugurated its medical records building, isolation, and holding facilities for patients seeking treatment.

Dr. Rogelio Balbag, health consultant of the provincial government, said Thursday the upgrading of hospital facilities is a great help for the province as it continues to battle against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“Prior to inauguration, the isolation building worth PHP11 million has been used by Covid-19 patients when other hospital facilities could no longer accommodate the surge of infection,” said Balbag as the budget allocation for the 10-bed isolation facility came from the province’s 20 percent development fund.

On the other hand, the holding facility was funded under the Bayanihan 2 program and the medical records building under the health facility enhancement.

Last September, the Bangui hospital had to limit its services due to shortage of doctors. Other patients with no emergency cases were then advised to seek treatment at the nearest health center in their villages or seek online consultation.

Other health infrastructure development and upgrading of health facilities are likewise being implemented at the Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital to make it at par with other public hospitals in the country.

Included in the infrastructure projects at the provincial hospital are the computerized tomography (CT) scan building, renovation of the intensive care unit room, construction of placenta pit, sewerage system, improvement of the dialysis center and operating room complex, and the rehabilitation of comfort rooms, among others.

As a priority program of the current administration, Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc earlier noted that it is worth investing in the health of residents as they are the greatest assets of the province. (PNA)