DPWH to undertake RHU rehab in Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 20 (PNA) – Eight rural health units in Leyte will be rehabilitated by the Second Leyte Engineering District (2nd LED) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through funds provided by the Department of Health (DOH).

Under the DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement-Program (HFEP), this ensures the construction, upgrading, enhancing, equipping of all necessary healthcare facilities particularly in the village.

In Leyte’s second district, a total of PHP25 million was allotted for the rehabilitation of rural health units in Capoocan, Jaro, Pastrana, Burauen and Carigara.

District Engineer Carlos Veloso assured that the rehabilitation of these facilities will be promptly undertaken and right on track of the projected date of completion.

Facility design will also take into account climate change impacts.

Veloso said that just like the way they have built schools recently, buildings for the RHU will also be designed to withstand strong winds and heavy downpours during the typhoon season.

When typhoon "Yolanda" devastated most of Leyte province three years ago, many RHUs in towns were damaged, which made healthcare delivery critical to all affected communities.

The rehabilitation of these RHUs will mean more healthcare facilities for children and the elderly, consultation rooms, minor surgery and treatment rooms, pharmacy, dental clinic, labor room, breastfeeding area and birthing clinic, among others.

The facilities enhancement program of the DOH builds rural health care infrastructure in the selected districts to a level such that they have the physical capacity to address the service requirements of the National Health Program. (PNA)
SCS/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR