DOH expands probe to DPWH-built centers

The Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), is expanding its investigation into the implementation of Super Health Centers (SHCs), including projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

- By JEL SANTOS and JOSEPH PEDRAJAS

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa bared after reporting to the ICI on Friday, Oct. 17, the status of Super Health Centers around the country.

In a press briefing, Herbosa said he would begin inspecting Super Health Centers built after 2024, the time when the DPWH started implementing these projects.

Herbosa said the DOH is looking at around 300 Super Health Centers declared as ready for occupancy, to check if they are really now operational or not.

The DOH chief said they flag a Super Health Center if it is not yet operational, does not have access to water and electricity, and does not have personnel despite being declared as ready for occupancy. DOH tags them as centers facing “obstacles” — equivalent to the DPWH’s anomalous infrastructure projects.

Herbosa said he was prompted to conduct inspections in light of anomalies in the infrastructure projects of the DPWH.

He said that since 2024, DPWH has been tasked to implement Super Health Center projects based on the General Appropriations Act (GAA) or the national budget.