KOICA Grant to 3 Iloilo Hospitals to Help Reduce Maternal Deaths Karen Bermejo, The News Today Libre, Aug 6, 2013 Iloilo is recipient of another US$7 million grant (estimated at about P300 million) from the South Korean government that aims to reduce maternal and neonatal death cases, and ensure easy access to health services in geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas in the province. A memorandum of agreement covering the grant was signed by Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) resident representative Minhyeon Song and Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. last August 2. The health grant will benefit the Aleosan District Hospital in Alimodian town in 2nd District, Jesus M. Colmenares District Hospital in Balasan in 5th District, and Ricardo S. Provido Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Calinog in 3rd District. Defensor said the three hospitals were selected because of their "strategic importance." “These hospitals cater to patients from remote areas,” he said. Through the project, new facilities will be constructed for the Comprehensive Emergency Maternal Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) in three hospitals. CEmONC equipment which include anesthesia machine, autoclave and ultrasound machines will be provided for the hospitals. Aside from the three hospitals, the grant will also improve the health services for the Rural Health Units of the towns of Alimodian, Leon, San Miguel, Calinog, Bingawan, Balasan, Batad, Estancia and Carles. Koica will also provide training for nine local health officials and personnel on hospital management. The three-year project will start by March 2014. Last year, KOICA also funded a P200-million rice processing complex in Pototan, Iloilo.*
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 22:56:36 +0000