Equipment for military hospitals to come this week – DOH chief

President Rodrigo Duterte (center) leads the groundbreaking ceremony of the new PSG Station Hospital Compound on Wednesday, June 28, 2017. He is being assisted by Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial (left) and Col. Lope Dago, PSG chief. (Photo from an RTVM video)

The procurement of equipment for military hospitals has been in process and some delivery will be made this week, according to Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial.

“It has long been discussed with me and I have started special BAC [Bids and Awards Committee]; procurement of equipment to military hospitals are in process now. Some delivery will be made this week,” Ubial said when asked about her reaction to President Duterte’s challenge during his State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Ubial added that Duterte’s words inspired her to do better for the country.

“The President has been candid once again and spoke from the heart! It shows his sincerity and compassion for the people. We are proud to be his Cabinet and commit to work harder. He inspires me to do better for our country and our people,” she said.

President Duterte on Monday warned that a coup d’etat or mutiny could happen if medical equipment for military hospitals were not delivered sooner.

“If this is the way how you treat our soldiers, and they are dying now, and that machine was ordered a year ago, then a coup d’etat … a mutiny is not a surprise,” Duterte said during his second SONA

With this, he challenged Ubial to do something about the problem.

“Kaya sabi ko kay Ubial, hindi niya kasalanan it’s because of the procurement. Pero gano’n… Is Secretary Ubial here? Are you here Secretary? Change the procedure because I will change you,” he said, drawing the audience to laughter.

Ubial only smiled at Duterte in response.  SFM