Davao Regional Hospital now a medical center

Davao del Norte, August 27 (PIA) - - The Davao Regional Hospital (DRH) in Brgy. Apokon Tagum City is now Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC).

Davao del Norte 1^st District Representative Anthony del Rosario revealed earlier today during Blessing and Inauguration of the new facilities of the DRMC that President Benigno Aquino III signed yesterday Republic Act 10678 converting DRH to a medical center.

Congressman Del Rosario said that among the features of the new law is the increase of the bed capacity of DRMC from 200 to 600 beds.

Senator Toefisto Guingona III emphasized that the since the medical center will have more responsibility in which it will cater to any kind of disease or affliction that may affect Mindanao, DRMC will receive more funding than what it has for the moment.

DRMC Chief Romulo Busuego disclosed that the budget of the center for this year is at around P32-million in its maintenance and other operating expenses.

Congressman Del Rosario also stressed that as of today, the Davao Region is the only region in the country that has two medical centers – DRMC and the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.

Dr. Busuego said that the two medical centers will not compete with each other instead they will complement with different specialization.

“We don’t have to compete because we are not into business; we are providing services to our people. Since they have their heart center, we are developing here our cancer center,” Busuego said.

Other visitors in the inauguration ceremony were Department of Health Region XI Director Abdullah Jr., Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, Compostela Valley Gov. Arturo Uy and Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon. (PIA11, Michael Uy)