The Negros Occidental provincial government is considering the possibility of turning over two district hospitals to local government units. Provincial administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, said they are currently studying the possible transfer of Vicente Gustilo District Hospital to Escalante City and Calatrava District Hospital to Calatrava.
“The process of studying the planned turned over of hospital operations is now at ‘50 percent,” he explained.
The provincial official said the localities presented plans to the provincial government and they are currently conducting an inventory of equipment. Additionally, they are also reviewing the existing labor force.
“Do we absorb them with the remaining district hospitals that need additional manpower or let the local government unit absorb them into their local human resource?” he questioned.
Diaz noted, once the study is complete, there is still a process to complete.
“We will draft a deed of usufruct between the provincial government and the local government unit where the duties of both parties are specified as well their duties and obligations,” he explained. “[Localities] will not have the capacity to manage the hospitals for themselves because their own budget for personal services will also exceed the limit set by law.”/DGB, WDJ