(TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
Matag-ob latest to benefit said project
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) in the rgion is encouraging local government units (LGUs) to apply for funding to establish their own super health centers, an upgraded version of rural health units (RHUs) that offer more medical services and equipment.
According to Engr. Narcissa Zeta of the DOH-8 Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP), super health centers aim to expand healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas.
“At present, in Leyte province alone, only 20 local government units have applied for funding for super health centers, with nine already operational,” Zeta said in an interview.
These functioning super health centers are located in Baybay City and in the municipalities of Bato, Dulag, Kananga, Alangalang, San Isidro, Albuera, Tanauan, and Inopacan
On February 28, 2025, Zeta and other DOH officials led the groundbreaking ceremony for a new super health center in Matag-ob, Leyte, a fourth-class municipality with a population of 17,522.
The DOH allocated P12 million for the construction of the one-story facility, which will be a major upgrade from the town’s current RHU.
While super health centers still provide primary care services like RHUs, they offer enhanced medical services such as laboratory facilities (for basic diagnostics);pharmacy (for essential medicines);X-ray and consultation rooms; birthing facility for maternal care); and dental services
To qualify for funding, LGUs must provide land for the facility’s construction and commit to staffing and maintaining the center to ensure sustainable operations.
Matag-ob Mayor Bernardino ‘Bernie’ Tacoy expressed his gratitude to the DOH, noting that he applied for funding as early as 2022 to address the town’s healthcare challenges.
“Our current RHU is small and lacks medical equipment. We even have to set up a tent outside for patients waiting for their turn,” Tacoy said.
The mayor also revealed plans to acquire dialysis machines for the new facility, with the help of DOH and partner agencies.
“We have an increasing number of dialysis patients. With this, they will no longer have to travel to Ormoc City for treatment, which is a huge financial burden,” Tacoy added.
The Matag-ob Super Health Center is expected to be completed within three months and will be one of the 20 super health centers funded by DOH in Eastern Visayas under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP).
JOEY A. GABIETA
