By CESAR JOLITO III
The Negros Occidental provincial government, through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), has officially opened the first Supply Chain Management Warehouse in the Negros Island Region (NIR), marking a major milestone in the province’s implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) program.
The newly inaugurated facility, fully funded by the provincial government, will serve as the central storage and distribution hub for medical supplies and equipment critical to healthcare services across Negros Occidental.
Designed to meet and exceed national standards, the warehouse is expected to improve the efficiency, reliability and safety of health commodity management in the province.
PHO chief Dr. Girlie Pinongan said the facility includes a cold room that will function as the main hub for temperature-sensitive medical supplies, particularly vaccines and other essential medicines requiring controlled storage conditions.
She noted that proper storage is crucial to maintaining the quality and effectiveness of health commodities.
Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral lauded the province for establishing the facility without national government assistance, describing it as “above the prescribed standards.”
She emphasized that Negros Occidental is the first province in the region to build such a warehouse, setting a benchmark for other local government units.
Maestral added that neighboring provinces, including Negros Oriental and Siquijor, will also be required to establish similar facilities to comply with UHC requirements.
She explained that while some medicines will continue to be supplied by the national government, provinces are also expected to procure and properly manage their own medical supplies.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the warehouse is a proactive investment aimed at ensuring the continuous availability of medical supplies throughout the province.
He stressed that the facility will help reduce shortages, prevent wastage and strengthen the overall healthcare delivery system.
“The establishment of this warehouse reflects foresight and responsibility. It ensures that medical supplies are available in our warehouse at all times, in strong support of UHC,” Lacson said, adding that the initiative will enhance the reliability of health services across Negros Occidental’s healthcare network./CJ, WDJ