DOH eyes gov’t service in Ormoc City private hospitals

The Department of Health is studying ways to provide government medical service in earthquake-hit Ormoc even in the city's private hospitals.

Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said Tuesday in an interview on News To Go that these measures are being considered as almost every hospital in the city was private with the exception of the Ormoc District Hospital.

Aside from the district hospital, the nearest government hospital to Ormoc was the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in Tacloban

"Nandun ngayon ang aming kalihim, Secretary Ubial sapagkat dito sa Ormoc, halos puro private yung ospital," Tayag said.

"Gusto naming maasikaso mga pasyente. Ang aming kalihim ay nagiisip ngayon ng paraan na tuloy-tuloy ang serbisyo sa mga pasyente kahit na ito ay nasa pribadong ospital," he added.

Ormoc experienced a strong 5.4-magnitude aftershock on Monday, four days after the initial earthquake that killed two and injured more than 72 persons.

The local government units of Ormoc City and Kananga are now considering the permanent relocation of some barangays and sitios even as residents in high-risk villages refuse to leave their homes. —Rie Takumi/NB, GMA News