Ilocos Norte’s flagship hospital improves services thru more specialists, building expansion

To provide better healthcare, increased accessibility, and improved patient outcomes, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) inaugurated the Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital (GRBASMH) Outpatient Department (OPD) Expansion Building on May 26.

According to Dr. Rogelio Balbag, Executive Director of the Ilocos Norte Hospital Management Committee, after the inauguration of the building, the committee will accommodate medical professionals who are interested in providing their services within the hospital's sub-specialists fields, such as rehabilitation medicine, cardiology, and orthopedic surgery, among others.

Dr. Balbag also mentioned that several specialists have expressed their desire to practice at GRBASMH. The hospital also seeks to hire nephrologists for its dialysis center. 

During the inauguration, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc expressed, "We know that this will go a long way in the prolonged and difficult process of improving GRBASMH, but to all of you, I just want to say thank you and reassure you that things will get better. We will employ more people and help equip you." 

He also thanked the Department of Health for providing a P10 million fund used in the construction of the OPD Building expansion under its Health Facility Enhancement Program.

The renovation includes the enhancement of the dialysis center and infrastructure projects like the hospital's pavement. These initiatives are anticipated to be implemented promptly, aiming to provide improved services to the Ilokano community.

GRBASMH is the flagship hospital of Ilocos Norte. Over the years, the Provincial Government has been funneling funds to the health institution to improve its medical services and health offerings.