The city government here has allocated PHP50 million for the construction of the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) Plus center that will cater to minor admissions in partnership with the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH).

Mayor Greg Gasataya said in a press briefing on Monday that the healthcare facility will rise on the city’s property in Barangay 14, where a multi-purpose center will also be constructed simultaneously.

“The funds are already there, coming from the city. We’re awaiting the authority from the City Council to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Health (DOH), then we can proceed with the construction,” he added.

The CLMMRH is the apex hospital of the DOH in Negros Island Region.

Gasataya said the funding requirement for the construction of BUCAS Plus center will come from the bank loan of the city government.

Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who pushed for the implementation of BUCAS Plus before he stepped down as mayor last month, said that through the program, the city government will bring quality primary healthcare services to the community.

“We will also decongest the hospitals so they can give attention to critical medical cases,” he added.

BUCAS centers serve as a vital intermediary healthcare hub designed to bridge the gap between village health centers and higher-level hospitals.

Among the services that will be offered are laboratory tests, tuberculosis screening and management, vaccinations, cancer screening, surgical operations for breast, tumor, and cataracts, consultations for high blood pressure and diabetes, obstetrics and gynecology consultation and services, mental health support, first aid and referral for vehicular crash injuries, nutrition support, dental care, animal bite treatment, and access to medicine through an in-house pharmacy.

Specialized services for senior citizens, such as geriatric care, ear, nose, throat, orthopedic, and surgical procedures, will also be available. (PNA)