BORONGAN, E. Samar – The University of the Philippines and representatives of the European Union Commission after making some studies in Eastern Samar has submitted to Gov. Ben P. Evardone its recommendations to phase-out community hospitals in the province in order to rationalize the hospital operations of Eastern Samar.

According to their studies, the operations of these community hospitals are no longer viable and also costly. They cited that with the improved road network in the province, patients prefer to go directly to districts hospitals which are better equipped with trained specialists.

But, according to Gov. Evardone, he is not agreeable to these recommendations now, until the European Union comes up with an alternative solutions to up-grade the RHUs and district hospitals in his province.

In an interview in his office, he said, “I am open to changers and developments. But I have to consult the people, the LGUs, the doctors, the health workers and other stakeholders who will be affected by these recommendations. We have to observe democratic processes”. If the affected people agree, he will abide with their decisions saying,” I will also agree to phase-out the community hospitals provided the European Union shall, assure us that they up-grade our district hospitals and the Rural Health Unit (RHU) in these localities”.

Presently, there are seven community hospitals, three district hospitals and one provincial hospital in Eastern Samar. The European Union Commission has committed to Eastern Samar some financial package for this year on health services. It has commissioned the UP to some studies in the province to rationalize its hospital operations and phasing out the community hospitals is one of the recommendations.

They visited the governor inn his office recently and they will be back in March this year.