The Mariano Jesus Cuenco Memorial Hospital in Malabuyoc is a step closer to becoming a Level 1 hospital after the Cebu Provincial Government and the municipal government signed a Deed of Usufruct, completing a key requirement for its planned upgrade.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony led by Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Mayor Erlinda Piedad, granting the provincial government authority to use, develop and manage the hospital property while ownership remains with the Municipality of Malabuyoc.
The upgrade is expected to improve healthcare access for residents of Malabuyoc and nearby towns who rely heavily on public health services for medical care.
Baricuatro said the usufruct agreement is among the essential requirements needed before the facility can be classified as a Level 1 hospital.
“One of the requirements for it to be Level 1 nga dapat it should have a usufruct agreement with the province,” Baricuatro said.
She said the provincial government also plans to pursue similar upgrades in other areas of Cebu where access to hospital services remains limited.
“That’s really the goal. Other parts of the province ba need jud og Level 1 hospital kay pwede na sila makahimog minor surgery,” she added.
Baricuatro also noted that the facility already has some basic equipment that could support expanded services.
“In fact naa na silay anesthesia machines didto,” she said.
At present, the hospital operates as an infirmary offering emergency care, outpatient consultations and maternity services.
Once upgraded, it is expected to expand its services to include minor surgical procedures, blood station services and enhanced laboratory and diagnostic capabilities.
Level 1 hospitals are required to have trained medical personnel, authorized bed capacity, operating and recovery rooms, maternity facilities, isolation units, a licensed pharmacy, a blood service facility, and Department of Health compliant laboratory and imaging services.
During her visit, Baricuatro assured hospital personnel of continued support from the provincial government.
“Naa ko diri to see unsa akong matabang dinhi ug kumusta inyong kahimtang diri. Dili ma-ratol, dili ma-panic kay bag-o na ang liderato sa Kapitolyo. Whenever you see me, always remember that. I’m here to serve and help, dili para mangasaba ninyo,” she said.
Mayor Piedad welcomed the development, saying the upgrade would benefit not only Malabuyoc but also neighboring municipalities.
“Kami, Gov, dako kaayo namong garbo nga ma-prioritize nato ang health. Dili lang sa lungsod sa Malabuyoc, apan apil usab ang among mga silingang lungsod,” she said.
Also present during the signing were Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Sheila Faciol, and Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora.
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