JRBGH doctors, nurses, staff organize to call for passage of Cong. Rufus’ HB 239

February 5, 2009

By Lizanilla J. Amarga

A group of doctors, nurses and staff members at the JR Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) are organizing themselves to call for the passage of House Bill 239 and fully nationalize the city hospital.

The group has now asked the help of Atty. Manuel Ravanera, the lawyer for JRBGH doctors and staff members who had already filed 32 counts of graft charges against former city hospital chief Dr. Jerie Calingasan and eight other respondents including Vice-Mayor Vicente Emano.

Ravanera told Gold Star Daily that this group of JRBGH doctors, nurses and staff members could no longer stand how the city hospital always lack medicines, supplies and could not properly give medical care to city residents.

He said the group is not content with the supposedly softened stand of the City Council on HB 239 as contained in their recent resolution.

“They do not want the City Government to be a conduit for our city hospital. They want our city hospital to be fully nationalize,” he said.

City Mayor Constantino Jaraula and pro-administration city councilors earlier vehemently voiced their opposition to HB 239 saying it didn’t went through proper consultation and that it is “unconstitutional and confiscatory” as ownership and the hospital’s management would now be placed under the Department of Health (DOH).

Eventually, they were pressured to soften their stand to support HB 239 but under the conditions that the City Government will remain a “conduit” of the P127 million annual funds that will be allocated to it by DOH and will retain control and management of JRBGH.

But Ravanera said an open letter has now been issued by the group as a response to this softened stand.

The letter outlines several advantages and only two disadvantages should HB 239 be fully approved under the tenor of its original authors First District Cong. Rolando Uy and Second District Cong. Rufus Rodriguez.

Among the advantages the group pointed out is that the direction for the JRBGH will be in line with the New Public Management System of the Health Sector considering that it is DOH the authority in health systems.

The group said JRBGH shall now have a regular budget share from the DOH and not rely completely with the meager budget the City Government is giving.

Also, they said it is the DOH which has access to overseas funding agencies that regularly provides the health sector and can direct some of these to the JRBGH.

The group said that regular training for its JRBGH staff and personnel will be undertaken and that foreign-funded training courses through the DOH will be available thus enhancing the services offered by the city hospital.

“Infrastructure completion can be factored into the short, medium and long-term plans of DOH for the JRBGH, hence completing the whole hospital as a Medical Center in probably five to 10 years,” the group’s letter reads.

For them, the retention of income can allow the hospital to continue to improve and add to its equipment complement to be able to provide the various basic and specialty hospital that is necessary in Cagayan de Oro.

Also, a Revolving Drug Fund can also be put into place immediately to correct the dearth of drugs and medicines. Emergency drugs shall then be always available for the hospital clientele and that suppliers will not hesitate to negotiate with nationalized hospital.

The group said DOH administrative orders shall provide the “best milieu and work conditions” for the staff of the JRBGH as benefits shall be provided and the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers can be fully implemented.

They said National Qualification Standards and the Career Path for the Health Sector shall be implemented.

Also, the group said the hospital can continue to be named the J.R. Borja General Hospital and thus, hold on to the historical aspect of the hospital.

“It shall continue to be a City Hospital for Cagayan de Oro City but, more responsive to the City’s needs,” their letter reads.

Also, that JRBGH can be more involved in the Rationalization of Health Services for the City and be a “more responsive” Government Health Facility for Region X.

This as it will become an upgraded and properly managed hospital can provide the necessary tertiary health care while the Northern Mindanao Medical Center can be allowed to develop and provide Sub-specialty care.

“This will then mean that patients who need transplant surgery, advanced cardio-vascular and thoracic surgery, neuro-surgery and other services need not go to Cebu or Manila for such,” the letter reads.

The two disadvantages include how ownership will not anymore rest with the local government of Cagayan de Oro City and that hiring, firing and the management will be turned-over to the National Government.

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Written by admin · Filed Under Cagayan de Oro, Feature