The construction of a PHP10-million medicine storage warehouse in Davao de Oro is underway at the provincial capitol in Nabunturan town, an official said Wednesday.

In a statement Wednesday, Provincial Health Office (PHO) head Dr. Antonio Ybiernas said that once completed, the storage building will serve as a satellite office for their daily operations in the storage of health commodities, including medicines and vaccines.

“Our constituents will no longer worry as to what vaccines or medicines they need. A supply officer will be assigned here,” he said.

Ybiernas said the other health projects in line for constituents include the construction of DOH “Super Health Centers” in strategic locations of the province, that will provide specialized health services in the grassroots.

Each of these centers, he said, will be equipped with an outpatient department, laboratory, x-ray, ultrasound, birthing services, diagnostic, blood chemistry, and dental services, among others, he said.

Meanwhile, Governor Dorothy Gonzaga, who led the groundbreaking ceremony for the medicine warehouse on Dec. 12, vowed to fast-track the building’s construction and completion.

Meanwhile, Dr. Annabelle Yumang, the DOH-Davao Region director, emphasized the importance of the warehouse, especially in times of emergencies.

“Remember during the Bagyong Pablo (Bopha, 2012), there are a lot of people who wanted to donate, but we do not have an area where we can build one, we only have tents. We should not wait for another calamity to realize the importance of this warehouse,” she said.

Yumang said a series of training will be given to the supply officers who will look after the warehouse supplies, including proper temperature requirements to avoid contamination from pests. (PNA)