The construction of the 50-bed Cadiz City Medical Center (CCMC) in Negros Occidental is expected to boost the delivery of healthcare services in the bustling northern city and its adjacent localities.
The P270-million hospital, located in Barangay Tinampaan and funded by the local government unit (LGU), officially commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, Jan. 20, led by Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. and Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
“What we have long envisioned is finally becoming a reality. Our city is experiencing remarkable growth, and with it, our population is also increasing. The CCMC will address the rising healthcare demands of Cadiznons,” Escalante said.
The construction is expected to be completed within 667 days from the start of the groundbreaking.
Key facilities of the CCMC will include a minor operating room, emergency room, clinical laboratory, isolation room, an eight-bed medical ward, and a pharmacy.
Once operational, the new hospital will broaden healthcare services in the city, catering to more patients, especially those from remote barangays who can no longer be accommodated by the city emergency clinic and the provincial government-run Cadiz District Hospital.
Lacson commended the city government for initiating such a landmark project.
“(This) marks a milestone not only in our continuing progress and development, but most importantly in the history of Cadiz City. In the coming months, we will witness the transformation of this site into a state-of-the-art healthcare facility,” he added.
Department of Health (DOH)-Negros Island Region Director Razel Nikka Hao said they would provide assistance to the LGU as she is glad for the opportunity to see the start of the hospital construction.
“Rest assured, the DOH is here. We will help you every step of the way,” she added.
The CCMC is Cadiz’s first major project since becoming a first-class component city in December last year, and the groundbreaking coincides with the culmination of the 50th year of the Dinagsa Festival, the city’s version of the Ati-Atihan festivity.*PNA