BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) is planning to develop additional facilities at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in Bacolod City, following the reopening of its newly furnished P92 million Emergency Department.
Dr. Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral, DOH Undersecretary, stated that they are planning to further expand the emergency room, citing that the hospital has been overwhelmed with patients.
However, Maestral emphasized that before the expansion can materialize, it is necessary for the hospital to first improve and increase the capacity of the Mother and Child Unit.
“We cannot expand the ER unless the Mother and Child Unit has been improved,” she said, noting that the unit is currently undergoing renovation.
Maestral disclosed that the P65 million budget for the renovation of the unit has already been released to the hospital’s administration, and that bidding is ongoing. The expansion aims to add 160 more beds.
The renovation is expected to commence as soon as possible, according to Maestral.
“The MCU facing Burgos is also up for renovation, as is the West Tower. We have already applied for the renovation of the tower with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),” she added.
Meanwhile, the undersecretary expressed her satisfaction with the renovation of the emergency room, highlighting that it was completed ahead of schedule.
“We planned to finish the ER renovation in four months, but we were able to complete it in three and a half months,” she said.
Maestral also commended the hospital administration of CLMMRH for their diligent care of the hospital’s facilities and operations. (Richard Caballero Jr. via tvds photo by tvds)