LAGAWE, Ifugao (PIA)– “After four Presidents, two congressmen, five governors, seven Department of Health (DOH)-Cordillera Regional Directors, and Acting Regional Directors, as well as two Health Provincial Officers, but only one Chief of Hospital, we are now gathered here today to witness the inauguration of the new Ifugao General Hospital (IGH) as a 45-bed capacity Level 1 facility. ”
Dr. Joseph Bulayungan, the IGH Chief of Hospital, said during the inauguration of the new IGH on April 18, 2024.
Bulayungan recounted the journey and the realization of the new hospital which began in 2009. He shared the many challenges the project encountered over the years, including the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
These challenges spanned several administrations and leadership changes as the provincial local government unit collaborated with the DOH for its completion
Following the onslaught of Typhoon Emong (Chan-hom) in 2009, cracks were noticed at the old provincial hospital in Natuwolan in Cudog, Lagawe.
The DOH through its Health Facilities Enhancement Program released an initial funding of P50 million for the construction of a new IGH in 2009.
The provincial local government unit (PLGU) purchased a lot in Lumingay, Poblacion North in Lagawe in 2010 where the new IGH would be constructed.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new IGH was done on January 6, 2012.
In 2014, the Department of Health suspended the operation of the old IGH due to safety reasons. Aside from bein worn out, the facility was found sitting on a geo-hazard area.
Thirteen years later, the people of Ifugao and nearby provinces can now avail of the services of the new IGH.
“Finally, Ifugao can join all the other provinces in the region that have their own provincial hospitals. Finally, an important part of the province-wide vital system has been actualized. Finally, more constituents of Ifugao can enjoy a quality, equitable, accessible, and affordable healthcare services,” said DOH Regional Director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, who served as the guest speaker during the inauguration.
Pangilinan shared that despite the challenges in completing the new IGH, the government remained steadfast in its commitment to making a difference in the lives of Ifugao people. She also expressed hope to make this hospital one of the best in the region, providing accessible and quality advanced healthcare services.
“IGH will play a crucial role in weaving the tapestry of local health systems in the province towards achieving universal healthcare by ensuring access to comprehensive high-quality healthcare services to every individual, to every community regardless of their circumstances and background,” said Pangalinan.
She disclosed that the construction of the new IGH costs P463.2 million funded by both the DOH and the PLGU.
The IGH will operate as a Level 1 hospital with a capacity of 45 beds. A Level 1 hospital has an operating room, a recovery room, maternity facilities, isolation facilities, a clinical laboratory, an imaging facility and a pharmacy.
The new IGH is also PhilHealth accredited.
Meanwhile, Governor Jerry Dalipog reminded all IGH employees to diligently serve the public with a smile while taking good care of the hospital. He also shared plans to set up a Malasakit Center in the province to assist clients with their hospital bills.
Dalipog proposed further improvements including establishing a proper parking area and vows to comply with all the requirements to upgrade the facility to a Level 2 hospital with increased bed capacity.
This historic event was attended by representatives from the provincial and municipal local government units, national line agencies, private and civic organizations, former local officials, other partner agencies, and the community. **JDP/FBR- PIA CAR, Ifugao