Manila: Bangsamoro Health Minister Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr. led the opening of the Bangsamoro Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) on Tuesday, marking a significant transformation of the former Maguindanao Provincial Hospital (MPH) after 52 years of service.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Sinolinding, a physician, ophthalmologist, and Member of Parliament, praised the hospital staff, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to service. He emphasized that the collective efforts and contributions of everyone involved were crucial in reaching this milestone. Dr. Sinolinding also recalled his initial days as a health frontliner at the facility back in 1991.
The inauguration event also featured the launch of several new hospital facilities, including the Eye Center and ENT Clinic, the Women and Children's Protection Unit, and the Department of Radiology and Imaging Science Complex. The hospital is currently hosting a "Gamutang Pangkalahatan" (General Healing) program until October 10, providing free medical and surgical services to indigent residents.
Member of Parliament Dr. Hashemi Dilangalen highlighted the significance of the BRHMC as the primary referral facility in the province, which aims to ease the burden on patients who have had to travel long distances for specialized medical care. He noted that it is the first tertiary hospital in Maguindanao del Sur, fully funded and managed by the Bangsamoro government, underscoring the commitment to building robust public health systems within the region.
Deputy Speaker Baintan Adil-Ampatuan, one of the key authors of the bill for the hospital's upgrade, described the development as a major victory for public health in the province. The upgrade aims to enhance healthcare services for the over 700,000 residents of Maguindanao del Sur and its neighboring areas.
BRHMC Chief of Hospital Dr. Mohammad Ariff Baguindali expressed that the opening is a "dream come true and a legacy that will live on for the Bangsamoro," marking it as a significant milestone in the healthcare sector of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
