The Iloilo Provincial Government through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) turned over yesterday, Dec. 4, 2012 medical equipment and supplies to different Rural Health Units (RHUs).

The equipment and supplies include Ambu Bag, Aneroid Sphygmomanometer, Desk Type BP Apparatus, Oxygen Gauge Regulator, Newborn Weighing Scale, Footstool, Suction Apparatus, Delivery Table, Mechanical Bed with Mattress, Hospital Bed, Dental Chair and Autoclave.

They were distributed to 29 RHUs in Iloilo province.

Assistant Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ma. Socorro Quiñon said the RHUs requested the equipment or supplies according to their needs.

The fund used for the acquisition of equipment and supplies came from PhilHealth’s capitation fund obtained by the province.

Capitation fund is PhilHealth’s way of returning a portion of its members' contributions to their respective local government units to improve their health services.

The province has enrolled over 72,000 indigents including the barangay volunteer workers.

Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. said his administration embarks on massive upgrading and improvement of the 12 province-run hospitals to benefit PhilHealth card holders which would eventually redound to their benefit by way of the capitation fund. (ECGarcia/ Capitol News)