The long-awaited construction of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) is finally set to resume in January 2025, marking a crucial step forward for the city's public healthcare system. This move aims to address the chronic shortage of quality medical services and establish a financially self-sufficient facility for residents.
A Path Forward After Audit and Planning
Mayor Nestor Archival revealed that the city government dedicated six months to collaborate with the City Council to audit and identify the deficiencies in the stalled project. This meticulous review was a necessary precursor to restarting work, ensuring a proper plan was in place before spending more public funds.
"Now that we have identified the deficiencies, we are ready to start the construction... We hope to complete it by October, and by November or December we can already use some parts," Mayor Archival stated. This concrete timeline offers renewed hope to Cebuanos who have long awaited a fully functional public hospital.
Vision for a Self-Sustaining Healthcare Pillar
For Mayor Archival, the CCMC is more than just a building; it is a cornerstone of his health agenda and a symbol of his vision for a more robust city-wide medical system. The target for the full operation of the eighth floor by December 2026 is a key milestone.
The mayor believes that once completed, the CCMC will be capable of standing on its own financially. This self-sufficiency will reduce its reliance on city government funds, helping to balance the budget for other essential public services.
Addressing a Costly and Controversial History
However, the project's history cannot be ignored. Since 2015, the city has spent nearly P2 billion on the CCMC, yet the building remains unfinished. This presents a major challenge for the current administration to ensure no more public money is wasted.
The expenditure history includes millions for Phases 1, 1.1, 2, and 3, managed by various contractors. Phase 4, worth P907.99 million, became particularly controversial when the contract with M.E. Sicat Construction was terminated in 2022 under the previous administration.
Despite the contract stoppage, the city had already disbursed a 15 percent advance payment, exceeding P136 million. This underscores the critical importance of strict monitoring of every peso spent from the city's coffers.
Bolstering Manpower Alongside Construction
Parallel to the physical construction, the city is also strengthening healthcare manpower. A recently signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by Mayor Archival will allow nursing students to undertake duties at the CCMC and the City Health Department, creating a pipeline for future medical professionals.
The completion of the Cebu City Medical Center is not merely a political legacy project but a fundamental obligation of the government to its people, who deserve urgent and quality healthcare attention. The January 2025 restart is a pivotal moment in fulfilling this promise.
