IN a bid to enhance medical services, City Mayor's Office Chief of Staff Sheila Lumbatan announced on Tuesday that the administration, under Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy, plans to open a new Department of Surgery at City Hospital-Tablon and a human milk bank at the city hospital.
Lumbatan disclosed that the milk bank to be opened next month is a project established by Jr. Borja Hospital in connection with the Gender and Development (GAD) program of the city.
The GAD program involves everyone, promotes fairness and sustainability, and respects human rights. It helps people make choices for themselves and reach their full potential.
"It aims to promote gender equality as a core principle that should be evident in development decisions and asserts that women play active roles in development rather than merely being passive beneficiaries," said Lumbatan.
Lumbatan also stated that the opening of an additional surgery department in Tablon Hospital is the city government initiative that aims to reduce the number of patients flocking to JR Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) in the city center, thereby providing more accessible healthcare services to residents.
She said that these measures are intended to support the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) by reducing its number of patient admissions.
"This strategy aims to relieve the patient burden at NMMC, enabling the facility to accommodate a greater number of patients from the surrounding area," Lumbatan said.
She also mentioned that this initiative is anticipated to enhance the healthcare system across Northern Mindanao by providing improved access to care for a larger population.
Through these efforts, Lumbatan highlighted that the goal is to enhance the operational efficiency of the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) by lessening its patient intake.
Ultimately, this strategic approach is poised to bolster the healthcare infrastructure and contribute to the well-being of the community by ensuring that more individuals can access the necessary medical attention they require.
Acting Chief of Hospital Dr. Michael June Perez revealed that JRBGH's plans include the establishment of an ambulatory surgery unit.
This unit will allow patients to undergo simple surgeries without needing hospital admission, making medical procedures more convenient and less time-consuming for patients.
Dr. Perez also mentioned that there are plans to add a surgery ward within JRBGH itself. This addition will cater to the needs of patients residing in the city center, ensuring they receive timely and efficient surgical care.
Like Lumbatan, Perez added that these steps are also designed to aid the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) by decreasing its patient admissions.
By alleviating the patient load at NMMC, the center can assist more patients from the wider region, improving the overall healthcare system in Northern Mindanao, according to Perez.
It is worth noting that JRBGH has already achieved Level II accreditation, which allows it to treat more complex medical conditions.
"This accreditation is a testament to the hospital and city mayor's (Klarex) commitment to providing high-quality medical care," she said.
In addition to these developments, JR Borja General Hospital is set to open a Human Milk Bank next month.
This facility aims to support mothers who experience a shortage of breast milk, especially those with newborns. It represents a significant step forward in maternal and child healthcare in the region.
Dr. Perez confirmed that all necessary equipment and facilities for preserving breast milk are ready.
The new facility is scheduled to open on August 22 this year. Dr. Perez proudly stated that JRBGH will be the first hospital in the country to have a Human Milk Bank, marking a milestone in the nation's healthcare services.
Furthermore, there is an initiative to create a Local Lactation Support system in the city.
This program will assist breastfeeding mothers in the barangays who struggle with supplying enough breast milk for their children, ensuring that all babies have access to the nutrition they need.
Dr. Perez expressed his gratitude to Mayor Uy’s administration for prioritizing the development of hospitals in Cagayan De Oro.
"This support is crucial in advancing the city's healthcare services, ultimately benefiting the entire community," said Perez. (With a report from CIO)
