Leyte hospitals receive incentives anew

TACLOBAN CITY, July 11 (PNA) -- More than PHP4.25 million in cash incentives were collectively received by doctors and hospital staff of four Leyte hospitals as part of the provincial government's motivation to make better the hospitals' professional and facility services.

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla distributed on Monday the cash incentives to doctors and hospital staff at the Hilongos District Hospital, Baybay District Hospital, Abuyog District Hospital and Burauen District Hospital.

Hilongos received PHP677,824.87, Baybay District Hospital got PHP2.25 million, Abuyog District Hospital benefited PHP1.4 million and the Burauen District Hospital got PHP1.3 million.

The hospital incentive scheme began during the term of the Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla to help improve the facilities and services provided by the 14 province-run hospitals. This is done by 

maximizing collections from Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and charging fees to patients who can afford to pay.

The revenues raised by the hospitals are being used for the hospitals’ capital outlay, maintenance and other operating expenses and employees’ share to convince them to stay and render their service in government.

Petilla said the incentive scheme has by far been effective in encouraging doctors, nurses and other personnel to work harder and provide better services to the growing clientele of the hospitals.

This hospital income sharing program of the province, which enabled the state-run hospitals in Leyte to charge its patients, excluding those categorized as “indigents”, has yielded income for the province in the amount of PHP555 million which, according to the governor, will fund better and functional health services for the province.

Under this program, hospitals started earning and able to sustain operations without subsidy from the provincial government, while other extra earnings are given to the doctors and the rest of the staff as their incentive.

There are 14 district hospitals that are presently under the provincial government's management. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR