The Korean government and the Iloilo provincial government announced that the Iloilo Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA) Health System Strengthening Project recently boosted the capabilities of three district hospitals to provide medical services.
Comprehensive emergency obstetrics and newborn care (CEmONC) facilities were built and equipment supplied to the Aleosan District Hospital in Alimodian, the Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Memorial District Hospital in Calinog, and the Jesus M. Colmenares Memorial District Hospital in Balasan.
The project gave 40 beds to Aleosan District Hospital, 48 beds to JCMDH and 32 beds to DRSPMDH.
The Korea International Cooperation Agency also provided other medical equipment such as, X-ray machines, ultrasound machines, hospital beds, laboratory equipment and generator sets to the three hospitals.
The ceremonial turnover of the new CEmONC facilities was held last Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at the Aleosan District Hospital with Korean Ambassador Kim Jae Shin as the honored guest.
KOICA country director Shin Myung Seop, Assistant Health Secretary Leonita Gorgolon, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and mayors Geefre Alonsabe of Alimodian, Marina Gorriceta of San Miguel, Rolito Cajilig of Leon and Manuel Ganzon of Balasan attended the event that highlighted recognition of partners, turnover of symbolic keys and unveiling of commemorative markers.
Kim acknowledged the strong commitment of Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. to the “partnership” between Iloilo province and the Korean government. He said healthcare is one of the priority areas of Korean development cooperation in the Philippines, since “improvement of the people’s health will help solve poverty and achieve socio-economic development.”
“We sincerely thank KOICA and the government of the Republic of Korea for this project which could greatly improve health services for our people,” Defensor stressed.
The Iloilo GIDA Health System Project is a $7 million (approximately P300 million) grant to strengthen the maternal and child health service delivery system of the three hospitals and the rural health units (RHUs) of the municipalities of Alimodian, Leon, San Miguel, Calinog, Bingawan, Balasan, Batad, Estancia and Carles.
The project was implemented in 2014.
Aside from the construction of CEmONC facilities and the provision of equipment, a number of health personnel were also sent to Korea for training and capacity building.