Construction of a new building of the Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center (LPGHSTC) has began as officials recently broke ground at the site beside the hospital.
Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, who authored a law for the hospital upgrade, said the project is a timely and crucial aspect in response to the pandemic.
“We are doing this to provide for the needs of the public in terms of healthcare facilities especially at a time when receiving medical treatment has become a challenge during the public health crisis,” said the House leader who led the groundbreaking ceremony on the 1,500-square meter facility last June 28.
“We need to have adequate facilities, resources and personnel to manage patients and be more prepared in times like this,” Villar added.
Republic Act No. 11497 which was signed into law on November 13, 2020 seeks to increase the bed capacity to 500 from the current 200. The law also upgrades its professional health care services and facilities, commensurate to the increase in bed capacity. Its workforce, which includes doctors, nurses and support staff, shall also be increased.
Senator Cynthia Villar, who pushed for the passage of the measure in the Senate, earlier said the hospital expansion will greatly benefit patients in South of Manila and nearby cities and municipalities of Cavite.
The 12-storey LPGHSTC building will include the provision of 300 additional beds, as well as much-needed health care services and facilities, and state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
The building is expected to be completed in 2023.
“The pandemic has really put a lot of strain on our health systems especially during the surge of cases where our hospitals were almost at full capacity. This initiative, along with other important interventions, is a crucial aspect in our COVID-19 response and enables us to be more equipped in case of a resurgence while maintaining the urgent care and treatment of patients with other illnesses,” Villar said.
Aside from the lone district representative, Senator Cynthia Villar, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega, LPGHSTC director Rodrigo Hao, assistant regional director Ma. Paz Corrales of the Health department, and district engineer Elpidio Trinidad of the Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineering Office graced the groundbreaking ceremony.
