The Sangguniang Panlalawogan has already approved in principle the proposed conversion of the Eastern Bicol Medical Center in to an economic enterprise of the provincial government.

The recent public hearing was conducted only to gauge the sentiments of the public and to get suggestions that could ne incorporated in the ordinance. The provincial board is fully behind of the Cua Administration and there is multi-partisan support led by sponsor PBM Ariel Molina, the congressman’s fair-haired boy in the SP.

If the public would be made aware of the true situation at EBMC – deteriorating infrastructures, overwhelmed wards and personnel, equipment deficiencies and utter lack of funds – they too would support the move. The provincial hospitals many ailments cannot be cured by throwing money at it but at least it would help deliver most of basic health services usually obtainable at a tertiary hospital.

*****

I had to report for my work on my birthday, Jan. 21, and the extra effort landed me in the hospital a week later.

The PhilHealth big bosses were in town and the presscon invite said the local journalists should be at the restaurant of Rakdell Inn at 12 noon as CEO Rey Aquino strictly observed his schedule. So I did away with lunch at home and was at the resto before 12 PM.

The problem was, Aquino and his entourage came up only at about 12:30 PM and it was only then that the grumbling stomachs were filled.

By the time the presscon finished part 2 PM, I already had a splitting headache. Staying up until midnight to attend to guests added to the stress and by Saturday, fever set in.

Surviving on medicines, I managed to finish the Tribune’s Jan. 27 edition that Monday and would have been confined in a hospital, except for a major problem; no vacancy at EBMC or even at Dr. A.P. Zantua hospital.

By this experience, you would know where I stand on the corporatization of EBMC. If even those who can pay for private rooms cannot get access for lack of rooms, there is no way he current state of affairs at the provincial hospital should be allowed fester like an open wound.

*****

THE HAPPY WIFE. Larry wakes up at home with a huge hangover. He forces himself to open his eyes, and the first thing he sees is a couple of aspirins and a glass of water at the side table.

He sits up and sees his clothing in front of him, all clean and pressed. Larry looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order, spotless clean. So is the rest of the house. He takes the aspirins and notices a note in the table: "Honey, breakfast is on the stove, I left early to go shopping. Love you." So he goes to the kitchen, and sure enough there is a hot breakfast and the morning newspaper.

His son is also at the table, eating.

Larry asks, "Son, what happened last night?"

His son says, "Well you came home at 3 AM, drunk and delirious, broke some furniture, puked in the hallway, and gave yourself a black eye when you stumbled into the door."

Confused, Larry asks, "So, why everything is in order and so clean, and breakfast in on the table waiting for me?"

His son replies, "Oh, that! Mom dragged you to the bedroom and when she tried to take your pants off, you said, "Lady, leave me alone, I’m married!"