The ophthalmology department at Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center (GCGMMC) has received accreditation, hospital chief Dr. Miguelito Jayoma announced.
Jayoma said the accreditation came with an internally sourced budget of P50 million, which the hospital used to purchase equipment for the department.
“Despite financial constraints, the hospital continues to deliver quality healthcare services to the public,” Jayoma said, adding that GCGMMC remains committed to providing excellent eye care to patients who need it.
He said the new funding has changed how the department operates.
Previously, ophthalmologists working as consultants supplied their own equipment and were allowed to charge fees for procedures.
With the hospital now providing the equipment, consultants are no longer permitted to charge fees while on duty.
Jayoma clarified that the hospital does not intervene in cases where a doctor and patient agree to a fee outside hospital premises — for instance, when a doctor who also practices privately chooses to perform a procedure exclusively at GCGMMC.
Patients seeking consultation with the ophthalmology department may register and book appointments online, Jayoma said.
GCGMMC, the Department of Health-retained tertiary hospital serving Bohol province, is the main referral hospital for residents across the island, including patients from municipalities without specialized eye care access.
Accreditation of hospital departments typically reflects compliance with standards set by relevant medical specialty boards or PhilHealth, which can affect insurance coverage for procedures performed there.