J.R. Borja General Hospital in Cagayan de Oro to Enhance Mental Health Services

CAGAYAN DE ORO – The J.R. Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) in Cagayan de Oro is set to significantly upgrade its mental health facilities, following the introduction of a new benefits package for mental health by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

According to Philippines News Agency, the enhancement of mental health services is timely and crucial. In an interview on Wednesday, he revealed plans for the new facility, which will be named the “Cagayan de Oro Center for Mental Health.” This initiative is a collaborative effort between the city government and the House of Hope Foundation. Miranda detailed that the center will be housed in a separate building within the JRBGH compound, and will be staffed by 11 personnel, primarily medical professionals. Construction of the new facility is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of the year.

Currently, the temporary mental health facility at the House of Hope in Lumbia is accommodating 67 patients, serving not only Cagayan de Oro but also residents from neighboring provinces such as Misamis Oriental and Camiguin. With the establishment of the new center, the city government aspires to transform it into a specialized mental health hospital, becoming the second of its kind in the region after the Mindanao Mental Hospital in Davao City.

Additionally, Merlynn Ybañez, the information officer of Philhealth-Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), stated that the agency is gearing up to accredit health facilities eligible for the mental health package. This move aligns with PhilHealth’s mandate under Republic Act No. 11036, also known as the Mental Health Act. This act requires the provision of comprehensive and accessible mental health services for all Filipinos, emphasizing the importance of treating individuals with mental disorders.

PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. affirmed the organization’s commitment to implementing a progressive mental health package. This package is designed to provide benefits not only to members of PhilHealth but also to their dependents, thereby expanding the reach and impact of mental health services in the country.