300 super health centers not operational – DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) has already identified 300 super health centers classified as “incomplete,” or those that were turned over to the local government but have not operated since.

- By EJ MACABABBAD, Rhodina Villanueva

Student and youth groups gather in Mendiola, Manila yesterday to condemn the anomalies in government projects. Students from several universities and colleges in Metro Manila also staged walkouts and anti-corruption rallies. Story on Page 4.

(RYAN BALDEMOR)

As of Friday, out of 878 super health centers funded under the DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program, only 196 are “ready for occupancy,” 17 are partially operational, 300 are inoperable and 365 are still under construction.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa personally submitted a report on his agency’s findings to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) at its Taguig office, where he explained that incomplete super health centers don’t necessarily signify anomalies.

“What we see as obstacles to operations are sometimes there’s no power and no water,” Herbosa said. “In our arrangement, it is the LGU (local government unit) that will make sure that it is connected to the electricals, that it’s connected to water lines." Herbosa attended an interagency meeting with representatives from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education (DepEd).