Provincial Board in MisOcc pushes for reforms as MHARSMC fails to fulfill laws for bed capacity and service

 

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Misamis Occidental has called on the Department of Health (DOH) to address the non-implementation of two critical laws designed to enhance the Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro, Sr. Medical Center (MHARSMC). These laws, championed by former 2nd District Representative and Deputy Speaker Henry S. Oaminal, now Governor of Misamis Occidental, aim to significantly improve healthcare services by increasing the hospital's bed capacity and upgrading its facilities.

Resolution No. 588-24 highlights the urgent need for the DOH to intervene. Despite these laws being enacted, MHARSMC, under the leadership of Medical Center Chief Dr. Jesus Martin S. Sanciangco III, has yet to implement the mandated upgrades. As a result, residents of Misamis Occidental continue to be deprived of essential quality medical services.

Republic Act No. 10865, passed on June 23, 2016, was designed to expand MHARSMC’s capacity from 150 to 500 beds. The law set a four-year timeline for its implementation, but eight years later, the hospital has yet to fulfill this requirement.

Further progress was promised with Republic Act No. 11563, enacted on June 24, 2021, which aimed to boost the hospital’s bed capacity to 1,000 and enhance its professional health services. Despite its strategic location in Northern Mindanao, this law too remains unimplemented.

The Provincial Board's resolution underscores the critical nature of these laws, crafted with the goal of transforming MHARSMC into a world-class health facility. However, the Board has noted that the failure to meet these legislative goals is attributable to weak hospital leadership.

Additionally, a newly completed 5-story building within the MHARSMC compound, intended to accommodate more patients, remains unused. This building’s vacant status contrasts sharply with the ongoing patient overflow, highlighting management deficiencies.

The Board has also received troubling reports of patients being forced to seek private care due to the hospital’s inadequacies, only to find that the same doctors from MHARSMC were treating them at private facilities.

Instances of poor patient management, including delays and substandard care, have been documented, further emphasizing the urgent need for reform.

The resolution also brings to light the hospital's substantial debts to suppliers, raising concerns about financial mismanagement and the effective use of the hospital’s resources.

In light of these issues, the Provincial Board of Misamis Occidental is calling on the DOH to conduct a thorough investigation into the management of MHARSMC to ensure that the promised improvements and services are delivered to the people of Misamis Occidental.