P’sinan hospital chiefs defend governor from ‘black propaganda’

By Mar. T. Supnad

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan- Local politics here has heated up with all chiefs of hospitals in the province defending the incumbent governor from “black propaganda” allegedly launched byhis political opponent.

In a media forum, the 14 chiefs of hospital said major health care services of the province took place during the two and a half years of Gov. Espino contrary to the persistent claim of the past administration as aired in their latest radio advertisement that all the developments happened during their tenure.

“All the department heads were one in saying that the full development and transformation of all provincial government-owned hospitals in Pangasinan were done under the administration of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr.,” said Butch Velasco, public information officer.

Dr. Jackson Soriano, chief of Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, said within the two and a half years since Gov. Espino took over as chief executive of Pangasinan, all hospitals underwent major reforms in terms of infrastructure, health or clinical equipment, diagnostic services and personal services, as well.

“The governor was deeply involved in the planning and implementation of such projects,” he said.

Soriano added as a result, all 14 hospitals increased their bed capacities to accommodate more patients especially from the marginalized sector of society.

This, he added, was the main concern of Gov. Espino since he assumed his post in July 2007 to meet the needs and demands of indigent Pangasinenses.

“Pinakamalaking bagay ang medication services at professionalism ng mga empleyado na pangunahing nag-aatract ng pasyente, pangalawa ang ay orderliness at cleanliness ng ating mga hospitals,” Soriano said.

Contrary to what other quarters say, Soriano said “hindi lang pintura ang nabago kundi nagpatayo din ng bagong structure gaya ng on-going construction ng emergency room complex at diagnostic center sa PPH.”

He also said all community hospitals were already upgraded with the addition of new buildings specifically in Bolinao, Pozzorubio and Dasol.

The district hospitals he said will also undergo major development to serve more indigent Pangasinenses. “The people can see the changes and they can even attest to what is happening at present.”

Soriano’s and Velasco’s action came in the wake of reportedly disinformation campaign launched by Espino’s opponents who tried to mislead the public and belittled the accomplishment of the governor.

Espino is challenged by Rep. Victor Agbayani, whose wife was defeated by Espino last 2007 election.

Provincial administrator Rafael Baraan meanwhile said constituents can avail of basic facilities which are now comparable with private hospitals in the province in terms of facilities.

He added all 14 hospitals have upgraded their bed capacities to accommodate more patients.

Baraan said almost P1 billion was used for improvement of basic infrastructure facilities of hospitals in Pangasinan.