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DEVOLVING medical services from the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) to the barangay health centers would only deprive indignent residents of adequate treatment and examination, an opposition figure said yesterday.
Barangay Lahug captain Mary Ann delos Santos said many Cebu City residents may be stricken with ailments that would go undetected since barangay health centers don't have the medical staff nor the facilities to examine them.
Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña earlier said medical services would be devolved to the barangay health centers in order to decongest the CCMC and confine the center to handling emergency cases.
In a radio interview, delos Santos said there are no doctors assigned in the barangay health centers since they are only staffed by health workers and midwives.
She said even Lahug, the biggest barangay in the north district, doesn?t have a doctor in its health center.
?A lot of people would get sick, even with swine flu. In Lahug, we had to hire a doctor for consultations every Wednesday because if we rely on the city government, we won't get anywhere,? De los Santos said.
The Lahug barangay captain said the Cebu City government should re-consider its decision since a lot of indigent patients who need quality care will not be admitted to the CCMC.
Acting Mayor Michael Rama said Osmeña's order will empower the barangays and bring in Cebu City Hall closer to the people.
He said they will assign doctors to the health centers as the need arises.
Rama said he has to consult some officials involved in the operations and administration of CCMC to address any problems that may come up with the implementation of Osmeña's order. /Correspondent Chris Ligan
