By Nimfa Estrellado Senator Bong Go (Photo from his FB) LUCENA CITY, Quezon – The Senate has recently approved on its third and final re...
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| Senator Bong Go (Photo from his FB) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon – The Senate has recently approved on its third and final reading House Bill No. 8214, which seeks to establish a general hospital in Lucena City, Quezon under the Department of Health (DOH). This marks a significant milestone in expanding healthcare access for residents of the city and neighboring areas.
Senator Christopher Lawrence " Bong " Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and principal sponsor of the bill, expressed his gratitude to his fellow senators for passing House Bill No. 8214, which was initially filed in the House of Representatives by Congressman David Suarez. “This is another step towards better and more affordable health services for our countrymen,” said Senator Go. “The Lucena City Hospital will provide closer medical services to the people of Quezon and nearby areas.”
The proposed facility will be funded through the annual General Appropriations Act and will operate under the direct supervision of the DOH. A development plan aligned with national health reform initiatives will guide future expansions, including increases in bed capacity, facilities and personnel. The bill mandates that the hospital be built on a government-owned lot, ensuring its long-term sustainability and accessibility. Initially, the hospital is projected to have a 100-bed capacity, with provisions for future expansion based on the needs of the community.
"This new hospital will not only offer a wider range of medical services but also generate employment opportunities for healthcare professionals in the region," Senator Go added. "It is crucial to ensure our healthcare workers have opportunities in their profession without having to leave their families."
This legislative effort is part of Go's broader health agenda, which includes establishing more Malasakit Centers nationwide, improving public hospital facilities and strengthening support for other health programs. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act (RA) 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. 1
He also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. To bring primary care, medical consultation and early disease detection closer to communities, Go also pushed the establishment of more than 700 super health centers nationwide, including 18 in Quezon province, through his collective efforts with the DOH, local government units and fellow lawmakers.
Currently, Lucena City residents rely on a mix of public and private healthcare facilities. The Quezon Medical Center, a provincial government-run hospital, is the primary public healthcare provider. However, with a growing population currently estimated at over 280,000 and increasing healthcare demands, the establishment of a dedicated city hospital is seen as crucial to improving healthcare access and decongesting existing facilities.
Lucena City's local government has already been proactive in improving healthcare access for its residents. Through the "Balik Lucena Hospital Program" (BLHP), the city government has partnered with private hospitals to provide "zero balance" healthcare, where patients are discharged without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses. This program, along with the new city hospital, signifies a strong commitment to ensuring quality and accessible healthcare for all Lucenahins.
The establishment of the Lucena City General Hospital comes at a critical time for Quezon Province. According to the 2022 Philippine Health Statistics, the province faces challenges with maternal mortality rates and a high prevalence of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.
This new hospital, equipped with modern facilities and staffed with qualified medical professionals, is expected to play a vital role in addressing these health concerns. By providing accessible and quality healthcare, the hospital aims to improve overall health outcomes for the population.
Furthermore, the Lucena City General Hospital is expected to contribute significantly to local economic development. The construction and operation of the hospital will generate employment opportunities, not only for healthcare professionals but also for administrative and support staff. This boost to the local economy will have positive ripple effects throughout the community.
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