VIGAN CITY, PIA Ilocos Sur (PIA) – An infirmary hospital will be constructed in barangay Poblacion Norte, Lidlidda, Ilocos Sur, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

It is envisioned to offer various services such as an out-patient-department, 24/7 emergency consultation, fully functional birthing and maternal, hospital admission and ward, laboratory primary clinical laboratory, pharmacy and dispensary.

Said hospital is funded through the DOH’s Health Facility Enhancement Program or HFEP which aims to upgrade health facilities and services across the country.

Leading the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, February 28, DOH-Ilocos Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco said, “Through the HFEP, we are currently constructing primary care facilities, including infirmaries, in priority areas in the region which will be the foundation for the national healthcare provider network or referral system.”

“I am confident that this facility, once completed and functional, shall become a model health service provider and a benchmark for the implementation of universal health care in Ilocos Sur,” Sydiongco added.

The DOH has allotted P7 million for infrastructure and P5 million for medical equipment of the facility.

True to its commitment in providing quality and affordable health care to its constituents, the local government unit (LGU) will also provide P10 million for the construction of the health facility.

Expressing her gratitude to the LGU, Dr. Sydiongco said, “Nagpapasalamat ako sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Lidlidda sa pangunguna ni Mayor Atty. Sherwin P. Tomas, dahil prayoridad ninyo ang kalusugan ng inyong mga constituents. Napakaimportante na madama ng tao ang pag-aalaga sa kanilang kalusugan, especially yung mga nasa malalayong barangay. Let us continue working to achieve an even more health-related milestone as we move closer to achieve our vision of a Healthy Pilipinas.”

Lidlidda is a fifth class municipality in the second district of Ilocos Sur.

Residents access primary health care services at the rural health unit and at health facilities in Candon City and nearby towns like in the district hospital of Santa Lucia town.

The construction of the health facility, with trained health experts and enough medical equipment, is deemed to greatly improve the LGU's health care system, hence, benefitting more residents.

The infirmary hospital is expected to be completed in 2024. (JCR/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)