LAGAWE, Ifugao – An inter-agency initial assessment of the Ifugao General Hospital (IGH) was conducted recently by Cordillera Center for Health Development of the Department of Health (DOH-CHD-CAR) led by Regional Director Rio L. Magpantay and OIC-Assistant Regional Director Janice Z. Bugtong, provincial government led by Governor Jerry U. Dalipog and Vice-Governor Glenn D. Prudenciano, Provincial Health Office led by Dr. Priscilla P. Pagada, and the Ifugao General Hospital led by Chief of Hospital Joseph G. Bulayungan at the Ifugao General Hospital in Lumingay, Poblacion North, Lagawe, Ifugao.
Also present during the activity were municipal officials, Municipal Health Office staff, provincial board members, department heads, chiefs of hospitals of Tinoc District Hospital, Aguinaldo District Hospital and Alfonso Lista District Hospital, and provincial DOH office staff.
The activity aims to assess the construction progress of IGH for its proposed opening in June 2023.
Upon inspection, it was determined that IGH is nearing completion pending the hauling of hospital beds and equipment, construction of third-level water tank, solid waste collection and the laundry room.
The Regulations, Licensing, and Enforcement Division (RLED) recommended the conduct of water test, creation of committees to ensure smooth operations and management, waste disposal in compliance with the requirements of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, placement of signages, and allotting parking space for ambulance ideally located nearest to the entrance.
In terms of personnel requirements, Dr. Bulayungan assured that all IGH staff have undergone training on Basic Life Support (BLS) and their certifications remain in effect.
According to Dir. Magpantay, IGH will significantly improve the health care in Ifugao. “For every beginning there is an ending so we hope to have an ending of the construction of IGH by this year, but that ending will just be the beginning of another chapter in the lives of the Ifugao people,” he said.
Gov. Dalipog also signified acceptance of the recommendations from DOH-CHD-CAR and will be allotting P10 million from the Trust Fund for the construction of Provincial DOH Office.
DOH-Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) has already appropriated over P399.08 million for the completion of IGH. This will serve the constituents of Ifugao and nearby provinces.