Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte has appealed to the Senate to act swiftly on a House of Representatives-approved bill establishing the Bicol Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Once operational, the BWCH will services for the three main healthcare concerns affecting women and children.
Villafuerte said what Camarines Sur needs right now is a 200-bed specialized institution primarily addressing healthcare gaps in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, as provided for in a measure—House Bill (HB) 2444—that the bigger chamber already approved on third and final reading in December.
“One of the biggest gaps in CamSur in terms of health care is the Obstetrics, Gynecology, Pediatrics needs of this province of 35 towns and two cities,” Villafuerte said.
“It is therefore proposed that a hospital for women and children hospital be put up as a specialized institution that will complement and supplement the facilities and services available at the Bicol Medical Center (BMC).”
The BMC in Naga City has 300 beds in its main buildings for the following medical services: Internal Medicine; Obstetrics; Gynecology; Pediatrics; Surgery; Orthopedics; Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat; renal care; Physical Therapy Services and Diagnostic Laboratory Facilities.
“The BMC itself needs expansion in terms of bed capacity, equipment and professional personnel,” he said.
A measure similar to HB 2444 was also filed by Villafuerte and subsequently approved by the House in the 17th Congress, but it was not acted upon by the Senate.
“I hope that this time, the Senate will act swiftly on its counterpart measure to HB 2444 before both chambers go on their Lenten break this March,” he said.
Villafuerte pointed out to senators that the proposed 200-bed specialized hospital supports the Philippines’ commitment under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG) to reduce child mortality, improve mental health and combat other women’s and children’s diseases.