Three mayors from the northern part of Romblon province have expressed their support for the conversion of the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital (OMPH) into a Department of Health (DOH)-run regional hospital.
In a report by The Manila Times, Concepcion Mayor Nicon Fameronag shared that the mayors of Banton and Corcuera support the move, believing it would benefit residents across the MIMAROPA region.
“We were hesitant before because it is supposed to be for the people of Oriental Mindoro. This is not to be misconstrued that we are not welcomed at the OMPH, but we entertain that feeling of hesitancy. Now, if the hospital were to be converted, we can claim that it is also our own,” Fameronag said.
Currently, the OMPH is operated by the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro. For residents of these northern Romblon island towns, the OMPH is a practical option due to its proximity compared to other healthcare facilities.
Fameronag explained that patients from Concepcion and nearby island towns prefer traveling to hospitals in Pinamalayan or the OMPH because of shorter travel time. Pinamalayan, approximately 30.2 kilometers or less than two hours away, is much closer compared to the six-hour boat ride to the Romblon Provincial Hospital.
