‘Boracay needs new hospital’

The Department of Health (DOH) is currently studying the possibility of building another hospital in this island resort.

Dr. Victor Sta. Maria, Provincial Health Office head, said he recently discussed the matter with DOH representative Zuela Calizo.

“The DOH wanted to build a new hospital that is equipped with modern facilities [that] meet international standards,” Sta. Maria said.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the residents here have expressed disappointment to the state of the Boracay District Hospital.

Now the DOH is coordinating with the municipal government of Malay in looking for a possible location for the new hospital.

Aside from the hospital, the DOT is also pushing for the acquisition of an air or boat ambulance.

Earlier, it said an air or boat ambulance could best cater to the health needs of rich foreign and local tourists coming to Boracay.

Currently, the sick or victims of accidents here were being transported via public bancas to mainland Malay, then to the hospital in the capital town of Kalibo.