The first-ever super health center (SHC) in the province broke ground in Barangay Ising in this municipality Tuesday.

The PHP11.5-million health facility is funded by the Department of Health under its health facility enhancement program.

In his speech, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go said six SHCs will be established in the province this year. Aside from this town, five other SHCs will be constructed in the cities of Tagum, Panabo, and Samal, and the towns of Little Panay and Talaingod.

Go said the center will provide all basic health services and those that are specialized at the local level such as the outpatient department, laboratory, X-ray, ultrasound, birthing, diagnostic, pharmacy, and emergency services.

Also, the center will serve as a medium version of a polyclinic, offering a wide range of services including laboratory testing, pharmacy, dental care, and minor surgical procedures.

“This will decongest the public hospital here, and it will be more accessible,” Go said.

He said the local government unit (LGU) can extend the SHC wherein they can add dialysis machines, among others. Other components, particularly the maintenance operation and staffing, will be shouldered by the LGU.

While here, Go also witnessed the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s distribution of financial assistance sourced from the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Some 3,886 individuals – 1,666 from Carmen town and 2,220 from Tagum City – consisting of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and marginalized workers received PHP3,000 each.

The senator also distributed bicycles, volleyballs and basketballs, crutches, shoes, mobile tablets, food and grocery packs, vitamins, face masks, and face shields to the beneficiaries. (PNA)