Antipolo: The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday announced it is examining the reasons behind the delayed operation of the Antipolo Super Health Center, which remained unopened for over a year despite being fully completed in 2024 and receiving complete funding and equipment support from the agency.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Antipolo City Government had requested and secured approximately PHP11.4 million in funding for the project. This amount was allocated in two phases: PHP6.4 million for Phase 1, which was completed in October 2023, and PHP4.9 million for Phase 2, finalized in July 2024.

In addition to construction funding, the DOH provided PHP7 million worth of medical equipment to the local government between 2022 and 2023 to facilitate the center’s operations.

Despite these efforts, the health department’s quarterly monitoring reports indicated that the Super Health Center did not commence operations until this week. This delay triggered an internal review by the department.

The facility reportedly opened hastily this week after local officials became aware of a scheduled visit from Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and members of the media, according to the DOH.

The department also mentioned that it is quietly assessing non-operational Super Health Centers across the country to ensure that public funds are correctly utilized and that communities benefit from these facilities.

Highlighting that each medium-sized Super Health Center costs around PHP12 million, the DOH stressed the importance of these facilities immediately beginning to serve residents once completed.

The agency indicated that it expects local government units to expedite the activation of other completed but idle health centers nationwide, following its recent investigations.