Funding sought for Cagayancillo RHU

Board Member Cherry Pie Acosta has requested Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez to allocate funds for the construction of a new rural health unit ( RHU) in Cagayancillo island municipality.

She said Wednesday that the current RHU in the town is already dilapidated and inconvenient for the healthcare providers and for the patients who need treatment.

“Basic need kasi ang pagamutan kaya kailangan na rin ng bago lalo na sa mga island municipalities and isolated areas natin. Medyo maliit na rin ang ginagamit nila at hindi kumpleto ang mga facilities,” Acosta told Palawan News.

Acosta stated Cagayancillo now needs efficient and effective RHU to provide care for residents since it is far from the mainland.

In some cases, she said residents who are experiencing health problems had to go to Antique and Iloilo to receive medical treatment. However, they are often not given priority to get medical assistance as they are not residents.

“Minsan dinadala nila sa mas malalapit na mga probinsya kaya lang hindi naman sila binibigyang priority kasi inuuna ang mga taga doon. So, kahit malayo tinitiis nilang pumunta dito sa Ospital ng Palawan. Napakalaking ginhawa sana kung maaayos ang pagamutan sa kanila,” she added.

The Cagayancillo RHU has eight medical personnel a doctor, a permanent nurse, four human resources for health, a midwife and a microscopist.

Construction of the new RHU will improve the facilities for efficient medical services, Acosta said.