Mimaropa to get better health services, says DOH regional chief

At least three million residents in the Mirmarop Region are expected to get improved health services from the Department of Health (DOH).

Mimaropa is an acronym for the provinces that make up the region, namely, (Oriental and Occidental) Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan).

In statement issued on Thursday, Eduardo Janairo, DOH director for the region, said: “We are expediting the implementation of essential health services and programs to further improve the health, safety and welfare of the three million residents of the region and we can ensure this in partnership with the local health leaders through the LIPH.”

LIPH refers to the Local Investment Plan for Health, a program between the DOH-Mamaropa and local government units that aims to ensure the delivery of health services and facilities at the local level consistent with the Philippine Health Agenda (PHA) for 2016-1022.

The PHA 2016-1022 guarantees health services for both the well and the sick, functional network of health facilities, and financial freedom when accessing health services, Janairo said.

Among the programs to be implemented are the provision of a desalinator machine to Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro and the conversion of the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital into a training hospital for the region.

Ospital ng Palawan will be upgraded to a medical center, while speedboats for island barangays will be provided for faster delivery of health services and transport of patients.

“The health services and the people of MIMAROPA has been neglected for years and that is why we are working double time to provide them what they needed and deserved,” Janairo said. /atm