By JEN BAYLON

The Department of Health (DOH) is set to establish a satellite office in Negros Occidental to cater to the growing healthcare needs of the province and neighboring areas.

According to Health Undersecretary Mary Ann Maestral, the satellite office is designed to make healthcare services more accessible to local government units (LGUs) in the province.

The office is expected to be fully operational by August.

Maestral noted that Negros Occidental has a high number of hospitals and healthcare centers, but the process of submitting documents and paperwork for patients can be cumbersome.

The satellite office is expected to ease the process, making it more convenient for patients and healthcare providers alike.

The office will also help streamline the flow of information and resources between DOH and LGUs.

The DOH will no longer establish a satellite office in Siquijor, as its Negros Island Region (NIR) office will be situated in nearby Negros Oriental.

The DOH-NIR has allocated funds for the operation of the satellite office.

Meanwhile, DOH-NIR director Dr. Razel Nikka Hao has already prepared the necessary manpower for the new regional office, which will include DOH employees from Cebu and Panay./JB, WDJ