Hospital ward for war veterans, retired soldiers opens in Tacloban
TACLOBAN CITY—The Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC), the biggest government-run hospital in the region based in this city, has opened a 15-bed ward intended for war veterans and their dependents.
The facility, named Captain Nieves Fernandez Veterans Ward, was formally opened last Jan. 20.
Named after the guerilla leader from Tacloban during the Japanese occupation, the ward was built using the funds from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) in the region.
Roby Peñalosa, EVMC information officer, said the ward was opened after securing a permit from the Department of Health.
The ward has 15 beds exclusively intended to be used for World War II veterans, Korean War veterans and retired military personnel, including their qualified dependents in need of hospital treatment or confinement.
“Expenses relative to their confinements will be shouldered by PVAO,” Peñalosa said.
They are also entitled to medical assistance from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and other government agencies.
Veterans and retirees, including dependents, must present proper identification issued by PVAO or the Armed Forces of the Philippines to avail the in patient medical care.
Northern Samar’s aid
This is the fifth veterans’ ward created in the country under Republic Act No. 6948 that mandates hospital care for Filipino war veterans. The others are at the Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City, Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City, and the Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City.
Meanwhile, the provincial government of Northern Samar is distributing 295 new mechanical hospital beds to public hospitals across the province to improve its health care services.
According to the Provincial Health Office (PHO), 100 mechanical beds have already been delivered to the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital in Catarman, 50 units to Allen District Hospital in Allen, and 20 sets to Gamay District Hospital in Gamay.
Deliveries to other hospitals were still ongoing, the PHO said.
Among the upcoming recipients are the G.B. Tan Hospital in Laoang—50 beds; Catubig District Hospital in Catubig—20 beds; and district hospitals in the island towns of Biri, San Antonio, Capul and San Vicente—55 beds in total.
The provincial government has allocated P3.1 million for the procurement of mechanical beds, said Arlyn Cui, the provincial information officer.
Designed with adjustable foot and head sections, the new beds will enhance patient comfort and expand hospital capacity amid rising inpatient admissions due to Northern Samar’s growing population.
Aside from the new beds, Cui said Gov. Edwin Ongchuan has also approved the funding for additional hospital equipment and facility upgrades, reinforcing the province’s commitment to improving health care services.
The provincial government has allocated P54 million, which will be used to procure X-ray machines, ultrasounds, ventilators, cardiac monitors and medical devices, among others.
“The provincial government continues to prioritize health care, ensuring that Nortehanons have access to better medical care and improved public hospital facilities,” Cui said.
