Governor Edgar Chatto made it clear that the establishment of the new complex of the government-run Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) in Cortes will not be derailed, particularly by issues regarding the hospital’s leadership.

Chatto’s statement debunked claims that the project will not push through if current executive assistant of the Office of the Governor, Dr. Cesar Tomas Lopes, will not be chosen as the hospital’s chief.

He said that local public officials do not have authority to select the leadership of the GCGMH as the institution is supervised by the national government through the Department of Health.

The national government carries out the appointment of officials of the GCGMH and the allotment of funds for the hospital unlike district hospitals which are run by the provincial government, Chatto added.

However, the governor said that Lopes is qualified to take over as chief of the hospital.

There have been speculations that Lopes will replace current GCGMH head Dr. Teofilo Arcay when his term expires.

Previously, Chatto said that the project has been reapproved by the National Economic Development Authority under its director general Ernesto Pernia through the office’s Investment Coordinating Committee.

He noted that a lot in Cortes which will be the site of the GCGMH has already been donated for the project.

The new hospital will be built in Malayo Norte, Cortes, 11 kilometers away from the current location of the GCGMH in Tagbilaran City. (Allen Doydora)