Preparations for City Hospital's rehab underway

Before it could begin operating, the City Hospital was severely damaged by super typhoon Yolanda. Mayor Ondo’s proposed amendments on the ordinance creating the hospital points to its rehabilitation and eventual operation.

The 13^th Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Good Government conducted a meeting regarding Ordinance No. 179 establishing Ormoc City Hospital, particularly on amendments on personnel positions proposed by Mayor Edward C. Codilla.

Leading the amendments would be on Chief of Hospital (COH), a position that is co-terminus with the appointing authority based on the ordinance. Mayor Codilla wanted to change it to a permanent career position considering the designation doesn’t require a high degree of trust and confidence from the appointing authority.

Association of Barangay Captains President Mariano Y. Corro agrees with the mayor’s proposal of providing security of tenure to the position COH. “How can you look for a good administrator if you keep on changing the chief of hospital (whenever there is a new mayor)?” he said.

Mayor Codilla also proposed to remove a requirement for the COH to be a Diplomate or fellow of a relevant specialty board based on RA 1080 and to change the training requirement from “none” to “trained specialist preferred.” This means that field specialty may be an advantage for the position but will not be necessarily required.

Councilor Pedro Godiardo Ebcas also moved that the qualification standard of Master of Hospital Administration for COH be added with the word “preferably.” This means that a Master on Hospital Administration education may be an advantage but will not be necessary. The committee carried the proposals.

For the position Medical Specialist I, Mayor Codilla proposed that no experience required by the ordinance be changed to at least one year relevant experience. Councilor Mario Rodriguez agrees to this considering the designation is a senior resident position meaning, whoever will be appointed to it will head the resident physicians of the hospital.

Human Resource Management Officer (HRMO) Adelaida H. Biacolo further proposed that the position HRMO in the City Hospital be changed to Administrative Officer. This is because the city government’s HRM is supposed to be the central office for employees’ records from recruitment to retirement, including that of the City Hospital.

Finally, the committee in general moved to remove the age requirement for all positions. Biacolo informed that the Civil Service Commission considers age restriction in employment as discriminatory. This means government offices can hire workers up to 60 years of age as long as the applicants meet the minimum standards.

Ebcas agreed to this saying it is for the benefit of the City Hospital. “In reality, those who are in their 30s are the most experienced ones and they occupy vital positions in private hospitals,” he said. Removing age restrictions will allow the City Hospital to recruit experienced workers from private institutions.

The committee carried all the above-mentioned amendments. Committee Chairman Benjamin S. Pongos Jr. said he will endorse the amendments to the SP for approval. The discussion points to the operation of the City Hospital which was severely damaged by super typhoon Yolanda.