DOH to release ‘ghost’ health centers list next week

The Department of Health (DOH) is set to release next week a list of completed but nonfunctional health facilities built under its Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), some of which lawmakers recently flagged as “ghost health projects.”

- By RHODINA VILLANUEVA

Marikina Mayor Maan Teodoro, Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III lead the opening of two modernized public utility vehicle stops in the city yesterday. The stops feature charging stations, solar panels, a bicycle repair station and bike map panels.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa disclosed that despite substantial funding provided to local government units (LGUs) for building health centers, around 70 percent of the facilities remain idle and inoperative.

“A large amount of money was already given to local government units but I’m saddened that it was reported to me that only 30 percent of completed health centers are functional,” Herbosa said. “Just wait, by next week I can name them. I will name all these facilities.”