Samal Island, noted for its beach resorts, could also attract medical tourists, an official of the Department of Health said during a recent visit.
“We will look into putting up a state-of-the-art medical facility in Samal,” said Health Assistant Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial.
She gave assurance of the department’s support for the project as the island could expect funding from the national government similar to those received by other tourist destinations with medical tourism facilities.
The plan to make Samal a health services destination was expressed by Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario during his inaugural address in July.
He noted that as an initial step, the island city’s district hospital, which currently operates under the provincial government, will be upgraded.
Officials admit the local hospital could hardly provide adequate service to residents and visitors.
Agapito B. Hornido, provincial health officer, said to jump-start the plan, Mr. del Rosario has expressed his willingness to donate from five to 10 hectares of his personal property to host the new medical center.
Before joining the government during the Marcos regime, the governor was a leader of the region’s banana industry that now exports to foreign ports at least $500 million annually.
In recent years, Samal City’s upscale properties have attracted not just tourists but local and foreign retirees as well.
Beach front residential projects of major Manila-based developers are currently being developed on the island, which is less than an hour away by boat from Davao City which hosts modern medical facilities.
Davao del Norte and Samal Island city officials said it will be more convenient and reassuring for residents, as well as retirees and visitors if a good hospital is accessible within minutes.
The provincial government could not immediately provide data on the project amount, and only said that building the initial structure within the medical facility will cost P100 million.
Business World