Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District) said Wednesday, March 23, that his bill to enhance the capacity of the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City is closer to becoming a law.
The Senate Committee on Health, chaired by Sen. Bong Go., approved House Bill 10463 authored by Benitez increasing the bed capacity of the TLJPH from 100 to 300 beds on Tuesday, March 22.
“Now we wait for the opening of sessions again after election for final reading of the bill in the Senate and then passage into law of the expansion of the TLJPH bed capacity. DOH will subsidize the capital outlay and the province shall expand the personnel,” said Benitez, who thanked Go for his support.
The House of Representatives on Dec. 1, 2021 year approved House Bill 10463.
The bill, states that the existing professional health care services and facilities of the TLJPH shall also be upgraded to conform with and be commensurate to the increase in bed capacity.
The existing workforce of the TLJPH, which includes doctors, nurses and support personnel, will also be increased correspondingly.
The Negros Occidental provincial government will provide the funds to cover the maintenance and other operating expenses of the TLJPH.
It shall also appropriate funds for the additional human resource component.
The health secretary shall include in the Department of Health subsidy programs, support for the capital outlay requirements of the TLJPH.
TLJPH urgently needs an augmentation its facilities and personnel to meet the high demand for health care in the Negros Occidental and prevent the unnecessary loss of life, Benitez said.*