COURTESY: APB/PIA-10/Lanao del SurIn a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare accessibility, the construction of the new Marawi City General Hospital is now poised for early completion. Originally targeted for inauguration in September, the hospital's opening has been rescheduled for August, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. During his recent visit to the city, the President emphasized the urgency of this initiative, stating, “We are giving the contractors and all of the government agencies the deadline of August, na mabuksan na ang hospital, para makapag-serbisyo na sa taumbayan.” This commitment reflects the government’s dedication to improving health services for the residents of Marawi and neighboring towns.
The new hospital is set to alleviate the patient volume at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC), the primary public hospital in the region. As a result, it will enhance access to both basic and emergency medical services for the local populace. Marawi City Health Officer Dr. Ali Dalidig underscored this development, highlighting that the facility aligns with the government’s Universal Health Care (UHC) program. He stated, “Actually, makakadagdag ito sa health services ng Marawi at made-decongest yung Amai Pakpak Medical Center,” indicating the hospital's potential to create more jobs and promote inclusive development in post-conflict areas.
Enhancing Community Health and Economic Opportunities
The establishment of the Marawi City General Hospital represents a multifaceted approach to community welfare. It not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also promises to create employment opportunities for local residents. Dr. Shalimar Sani-Rakiin, the APMC chief-of-hospital, highlighted the hospital's role in managing primary health cases such as diarrhea and pneumonia. By accommodating these cases locally, the new facility will allow APMC to focus on more complex medical situations. Dr. Sani-Rakiin remarked, “We expect na yung mga primary cases like ng mga diarrhea at pneumonia, pwede na dito nalang i-cater,” illustrating the hospital’s impact on streamlining healthcare delivery.
Furthermore, the hospital’s impending completion signals a renewed sense of hope for the community. It underscores the government's commitment to rebuilding Marawi City and fostering long-term health improvements. Dr. Sulpicio Henry M. Legaspi Jr., regional director of the Department of Health in northern Mindanao, provided the President with an overview of the hospital's facilities and construction progress. As the region anticipates the operational launch of the Marawi City General Hospital, it stands as a testament to resilience, promising enhanced healthcare services and economic growth for the community. The early completion of this vital institution marks a pivotal moment in Marawi’s journey towards recovery and development.
