The provincial government of Negros Oriental is expecting 12 dialysis machines and 12 ambulances from various donors for distribution to the different hospitals to improve its health care and medical services.

Capitol information officer-designate Oliver Lemence said in a press conference Wednesday that House Representatives Manuel Sagarbarria of the 2nd district and Arnulfo Teves Jr. of the 3rd district have committed to Governor Pryde Henry Teves six dialysis machines each for the province.

“These are to be distributed to the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital and the district hospitals across the province,” he said in mixed English and Cebuano.

The province recently received a new ambulance, while more are coming including those from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, he said.

Lemence said the donations will be a big boost to the province’s efforts to improve its health care system.

The governor has set aside funds to rehabilitate the district hospitals while preparing to turn over the management of these facilities and their personnel to the local government units, he added.

Teves is also looking at implementing within the next six months the “zero bill payment” for indigent patients so that they will no longer have any accounts to settle upon discharge from the hospitals. (PNA)