DAVAO CITY – The Gabriela Women’s Party decried the announced closure of the government-run Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
“The closure of Fabella hospital will further deprive tens of thousands of indigent mothers of much needed healthcare,” said Arlene Brosas, Gabriela Women’s Party Metro Manila spokesperson.
In a statement on Tuesday, May 3, Brosas said the closure of the hospital amid the privatization of several other government-run hospitals and healthcare facilities does not bode well for the continuous hike in maternal and infant mortality rates in the country.
The hospital started as a clinic and was founded in 1920 by Dr. Jose Fabella who then chairs the Public Welfare Board.
“While Department of Health Secretary Janet Garin has yet to confirm reports, indigent patients and hospital staff reported that at the hospital flag ceremony last week, Fabella hospital director Dr. Esmeraldo Ilem has announced the end-of-contract for resident doctors and that several other hospital staff will be deployed to the Lung Center Compound,” said Brosas.
Brosas added that the closure of the hospital “has been planned out without consultation with the health workers and the most important stakeholders—Fabella hospital’s indigent mothers.”
“The case of Fabella hospital is a clear testament of Aquino government’s lie on achieving safe motherhood and adequate baby welfare,” she said.(davaotoday.com)
