The Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya, under the leadership of Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, has allocated Php 20 million for the expansion of the Provincial Integrated Health Office (PIHO). This strategic initiative aims to upgrade healthcare facilities and extend quality medical attention to all Novo Vizcayanos.
Gov. Gambito’s commitment in modernizing healthcare services in the province is reflected in his vision to improve and beautify provincial hospitals. His administration has also implemented various initiatives to address the healthcare needs of the province’s residents. Among these initiatives is the “Dara ti Umili” program, which focuses on transitioning Nueva Vizcaya from being a recipient of blood donations to a donor province, providing a sustainable and reliable blood supply exclusive for all Novo Vizcayanos. Additionally, the “Doktor ti Umili” program provides scholarships to deserving medical students, who, in return, commit to serving in provincial hospitals once they complete their medical studies. This program wants to address the shortage of doctors and see to it that more skilled professionals are available to serve the healthcare needs of the province.
Gov. Gambito stressed that the need for not just the beautification of provincial hospitals but also the expansion and improvement of facilities such as PIHO is critical. He stated that it is important to create a more convenient and efficient workplace for healthcare workers while enhancing the service delivery for residents. “We are not just building structures; we are investing in a healthier future for the people of Nueva Vizcaya,” Gov. Gambito said.
Currently, PIHO serves between 200 to 400 clients daily, an indication of the growing demand for improved healthcare facilities. The existing infrastructure, which has been operating beyond its capacity, will benefit greatly from the expansion. The project will include the construction of new patient care areas, upgraded laboratories, and more efficient administrative spaces.
In addition, PIHO has significantly exceeded its financial targets for 2024. As of November 30, the office surpassed its goal of Php 9 million in collections from medical and laboratory fees, achieving 156 percent of the target. This surplus demonstrates the increasing demand for healthcare services and reinforces the need for further investment in healthcare infrastructure.
The Php 20 million allocated for the expansion of PIHO is part of Gov. Gambito’s broader strategy to uplift the healthcare system in the province, guaranteeing that all Novo Vizcayanos have access to modern, efficient, and compassionate healthcare services. The expansion is expected to improve the overall quality of service and support the growing population’s healthcare needs. With this continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, Nueva Vizcaya is taking significant steps toward building a healthier, more resilient community under Gov. Gambito’s leadership.
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