CDHI eyes lots in Naga for retirement village
TO TAKE advantage of Cebu’s potential to attract the medical tourism market, Cebu Doctors’ Hospital Inc. (CDHI) plans to establish a retirement village in southern Cebu.
CDHI president Poten-ciano Larrazabal Jr. said the company is negotiating with lot owners in Naga, Cebu to be able to establish a retirement village there.
“With the growing aging population, I can see that the Philippines, particularly Cebu, has bright prospects to cater to these medical retirees who are in need of good healthcare facilities and services,” said Larrazabal.
In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu, Larrazabal said the retirement village will be completed within the next five years.
He said CDHI may utilize a portion of the one-hectare lot in Naga where the 250-bed Cebu Doctors’ South General Hospital sits for the retirement village or acquire other properties nearby.
“We are currently in the negotiation stage. We want to be ready as the opportunity arises,” he said.
Larrazabal said there are plans to construct a “mini mall” within the vicinity of the retirement village.
He did not disclose other details about the project but said CDHI is not entertaining the possibility of partnering with another entity.
Larrazabal is optimistic that in the near future the healthcare sector will be among the province’s booming industries, along with property development, and information and communications technology.
“I believe Cebu will offer the best retirement facilities compared to Manila since we have (a more stable) peace and order situation, better airport facilities, good telecommunications,” he said, adding that many Cebuanos are also proficient in English.
In the last few years, CDHI has invested in building and improving its network of hospitals in the province, including Cebu Doctors’ Hospital, North General Hospital in Talamban (Cebu City) and South General Hospital.
CDHI also plans to relocate the Cebu Doctors’ University to the Cebu City north reclamation area.
Larrazabal said that as early as January next year, some classes would be held at the new location, although formal launching of the university is set in April 2007 yet.
Source: Sunstar - Cebu. 11/01/2006.
