The city government here is set to partner with various private hospitals for the implementation of the Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program under the administration of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.

As of Thursday, the technical working group (TWG) was finalizing the provisions of the partnership.

“The TWG is in charge of threshing out the details of the agreement. As soon as it is ready, we will send it to the City Council,” Benitez said.

Through a memorandum of agreement, the city government seeks to tie up with private hospitals to address the lack of health services and provide adequate health care access to Bacolodnons.

Benitez said he wants the health program established as soon as possible as part of his first 100 days’ agenda.

“I have the commitment of our City Council to expedite the approval of the enabling ordinances and the necessary funding to activate this program,” he added.

The new mayor said he had pledged during the campaign to allocate the biggest portion of the local government budget to health services.

Meanwhile, the construction of the first phase of the Bacolod City General Hospital is expected to start this year with PHP200 million in funding downloaded to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The building, which will rise on a 3.5-hectare donated property in Barangay Vista Alegre, will involve land development, and the building of the interior road network and secondary buildings for its initial phase.

Republic Act 11564, which was signed into law last year, provides for the establishment of the Bacolod City General Hospital. (PNA)